PITTSBURGH, Penn. — According to a recent study, trauma patients transported by air have a 16 percent improved chance of survival.
The study, published in the April 18 Journal of the American Medical Association, surveyed more than 223,475 patients older than 15 but was not clear what aspect of the helicopter transport was responsible for the benefit, the Post-Gazette said.
Now two medical directors offer their viewpoints on why helicopters were better than ambulances for trauma patients.
Both P.S. Martin of LifeFlight and Francis Guyette of STAT MedEvac agree that better training, equipment and speed can make a critical difference. Specialization of personnel and sophistication of equipment have given rise to helicopters that not only can transport faster but also provide better care.
A helicopter isn’t hampered by topography or traffic and is staffed by two providers, according to the Post-Gazette. One of those providers is a paramedic while the second is often a nurse.
Radios and satellite telephones keep the crews in constant contact with an emergency physician.
And the equipment found aboard a helicopter often outshines that of an ambulance as well: High-tech ventilators, transvenous pacemakers, chest tubes and a supply of type O blood, along with “several drugs that exceed the scope of practice of a standard paramedic,” were just a few Dr. Guyette listed.
Despite these advances, helicopter transport will never completely replace ground transport, the study said. Besides being unable to fly in bad weather, air transport can only be used in Pa. according to a complex set of guidelines.
Patients who are stable and who do not need the special medications or interventions the helicopters provide will continue to be transported by ambulance, according to Dr. Martin.