Abstract
Introduction
This study correlated the eFAST findings performed in-flight by the flight crew with
the findings obtained by the trauma team upon initial evaluation at a level 1 trauma
center and with the subsequent CT scans that were performed or the surgeon's operative
note. We hypothesize that aeromedical eFAST examinations are highly correlated with
the trauma teams findings.
Methods
This prospective, observational study evaluated 190 traumatically injured patients
from June 2014 to December 2015 in Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina.
Results
For 190 trauma patients the Flight Crew POCUS examinations obtained a Positive Predictive
Value (PPV) of 100% and a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 98.3% for the identification
of pneumothorax, hemothorax, and free abdominal fluid, which is equivalent to that
of the Trauma Team's POCUS studies on the same group of patients.
Discussion
Because the early recognition of potentially life-threatening conditions is critical
to providing appropriate care to the traumatically injured patient this study provides
solid statistical data that flight crews can adequately perform and interpret POCUS
results as well as out trauma team colleagues. This study could lead to a reduction
of iatrogenic injuries from unnecessary invasive prehospital procedures, allow for
early initiation of Massive Transfusion Protocols (MTP) prior to the patient's arrival
at the Trauma Center, and potentially develop a change in trauma systems notification
and transportation directly to the operating room.
Conclusion
Despite this study developing a very positive outlook on performing aeromedical POCUS
for the evaluation and care of trauma patients additional research will be required
to better understand the potential impact on trauma activation protocols and activation
of in-hospital resources.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 30, 2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 by Air Medical Journal Associates
