Characteristics of patients transported by an air ambulance critical care team.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to review patients conveyed by the Great Western Air Ambulance to its main receiving hospital.


METHODS
Retrospective data were collected for all patients transferred to Frenchay Hospital by the Great Western Air Ambulance between 1 June 2008 and 1 March 2010.


RESULTS
115 patients were included in the review. Patients were conveyed up to 85 km, 79% bypassing the closest emergency department (ED). 51% of these patients had major trauma and 35% were intubated at the scene. On arrival, the mean time to CT scan was 78 min, reduced to 63 min for those with a head injury. 16% of patients were discharged from the ED.


CONCLUSIONS
This review provides an overview of the characteristics of patients transferred to a major receiving hospital by a prehospital critical care team.
Medical School, University of Bristol, 19 Hampton Road, Bristol BS6 6HW, UK. jacqueline.catherall@gmail.com
Jacqueline A
JA
Catherall
Adam
A
Brown
Jonathan R
JR
Benger
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017732:Air Ambulances / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003422:Critical Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult