Aeromedical transfer to reduce delay in primary angioplasty

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dc.contributor.authorBalerdi, M.
dc.contributor.authorEllis, D.
dc.contributor.authorGrieve, P.
dc.contributor.authorMurray, P.
dc.contributor.authorDalby, M.
dc.date.issued2011
dc.description.abstract<h4>Background</h4>Aeromedical transfer can reduce transfer times for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Delays in dispatch of the helicopter and landing-reperfusion can reduce the benefits of air travel. The ad hoc nature of these transfers may compound delays. A formal aeromedical transfer service, with rapid dispatch protocols and rapid landing to balloon times could significantly reduce reperfusion times.<h4>Methods</h4>A standard operating procedure (SOP) was developed using a field assessment team (doctor, aircrew paramedic) and a cardiologist-led multidisciplinary team meeting the incoming aircraft. The aeromedical SOP for STEMI care was implemented when anticipated land journey >30 min to the nearest PPCI centre. Reperfusion times for actual air travel and estimated virtual land journeys from the same location were compared.<h4>Results</h4>Between April and December 2009, 8 patients were managed according to the aeromedical SOP. Median air distance 49 miles and road, 40 miles. All subsequent data shown in median minutes (range). Call-balloon time 109 (97-116). Call-aeromedical activation 13 (9-26). Aeromedical activation-arrive scene 12 (9-16). Time at scene 29 (24-52). Call-depart scene 57 (45-75). Air journey 25 (18-30) and landing-balloon 21 (8-22). Call-arrive at PPCI centre for air 85 (70-95); estimated virtual road call-arrive at PPCI centre 102 (85-104).<h4>Conclusions</h4>This SOP delivered sub 120 min call-balloon times in all cases undergoing PPCI from difficult locations where anticipated land journeys were >30 min. With longer anticipated land journeys (or more remote locations) the proportional gains with air transfer will be greater. Subject to a formal SOP and very rapid landing-balloon times, aeromedical transfer can significantly reduce the number of patients suffering long reperfusion delays in acute myocardial infarction.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityMatthew Balerdi, Daniel Y. Ellis, Philip Grieve, Paul Murray, Miles Dalby
dc.identifier.citationResuscitation, 2011; 82(7):947-950
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.resuscitation.2011.02.031
dc.identifier.issn0300-9572
dc.identifier.issn1873-1570
dc.identifier.orcidEllis, D. [0000-0003-0898-334X]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/71411
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier Sci Ireland Ltd
dc.rightsCopyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2011.02.031
dc.subjectAcute myocardial infarction
dc.subjectHelicopter retrieval
dc.subjectEmergency ambulance system
dc.subjectDispatch
dc.subjectCardiac care
dc.titleAeromedical transfer to reduce delay in primary angioplasty
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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