Abstract
Introduction The introduction of an air ambulance is known to have an impact on the workload at the receiving hospital. This study analysed all patients transported by an air ambulance to a new level 1 trauma centre, in particular examining their geographical location of injury, diagnoses and subsequent management.
Method Data was collected prospectively for a three month period from the commencement of the air ambulance service. Data was retrieved from the Casualty and inpatient notes. It included demographic data, trauma scores and theatre and admission details.
Results Of the 36 patients transferred by air 2 died in casualty shortly after arrival (1 drowning, 1 fatal brain injury). 24 patients were admitted under orthopaedic care. 4 of these had immediate emergency orthopaedic surgery. A further 10 had subsequent delayed surgery. 6 patients were admitted under other specialties (only one required operative intervention). 4 patients were discharged home directly from Casualty.
21 patients were transported from outside the hospital catchment area. 3 had suffered significant multisystem trauma as a result of road traffic accidents. 2 were in geographically isolated areas. In the remainder there was no specific requirement for air transportation.
Conclusions There were a significant number of minor orthopaedic cases whose clinical condition could have been met by road transport. Many patients were also from outside the catchment area of the hospital. This study highlights the potential for mistasking of an air ambulance service and the requirement for increased resources at the receiving hospital. Joint protocols need to be agreed on.
The abstracts were prepared by Secretary Mr K Trimble.
