preview

What Is Aeromedical Retrieval

Better Essays

Part A:
Primary retrieval involves moving a patient from a site of injury or illness to specialist medical services, whereas secondary, or interfacility transfer relates to transporting patients from one hospital facility to another(1), without compromising the quality of care or stability of the patient(2). This involves a specialized aeromedical retrieval team. Establishing an aeromedical retrieval base is a complex matter; retrieval is inherently dangerous for both staff and patients(3). Staff work in unfamiliar environments in moving vehicles such as helicopters or fixed wing aircraft, with restrictions on space and available resources(3). Patient’s themselves are frequently moved from one mode of transportation to another, which can destabilize …show more content…

Staff involved in aeromedical retrieval may only be temporarily employed, or may be liaising with other services such as referring hospital doctors and nurses, paramedical teams, aircraft services and those at retrieving hospitals(3). Hence, there is large scope for error, given the communication between disparate groups and potential differences in procedures and policies between each working group. There is thus a need for clearly documented systems of operation, with contingency plans in place for when things go awry(3). In over 12% of aeromedical retrievals, a major adverse event occurs(7), most often due to poor or rushed patient assessment or stabilization(8) or inadequately trained staff members(9). Operating procedures aim to minimize these adverse events and should aim to familiarize staff, in a concise manner, with procedures of retrieval (3). These operating procedures should be devised through consensus by people who are trained in retrieval protocol in order to ensure relevant procedures(3). They should not be static, however, and should change with any new occurrences or incidents(3).Operating procedures would encompass referral policy, including lines of communication, fixed-wing and helicopter …show more content…

 Impact 731
 Carefusion revel
 Hamilton T1
 HT 70 plus
 LTV 1200
 Oxylog 3000
Table 1 – Comparison of various devices
Device Technology FiO2 range (range/%) Built in PEEP Weight kg Tidal volume <10% sea/at altitude Maximal autonomy FIO2 100% cylinder E (min) Electrical autonomy (min)
Oxylog 3000 Pneumatic 100/40 Yes 5.0 Yes/Yes 96 483
Impact 731 Compressor 100/21 Yes 4.4 Yes/Yes - 550
Carefusion Revel Blower 100/21 Yes 4.5 Yes/No - -
Hamilton T1 Turbine 100/21 Yes 6.5 No/No 66 408
HT 70 plus Piston 100/21 Yes 6.9 No/- 88 488
LTV 1200 Turbine 100/21 Yes 6.3 No/- 54

Get Access