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Publication AbstractsSafety of Long Distance Aeromedical Transport of the Cardiac Patient: A Retrospective StudyVidal Essebag, M.D., Sohrab Lutchmedial, M.D., FRCP(C), and Michael Churchill-Smith, M.D., FRCP(C)Aviat Space Environ Med 2001; 72:182-7 AbstractBackground: The purpose of this study is to provide data regarding the safety of long distance air transport of cardiac patients, establish a time frame for safe transport, and assess current guidelines for postmyocardial infarct (post-MI) transport. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all long distance aeromedical transports performed by Montreal-based Skyservice Lifeguard from January 1 to October 1, 1998. Results: 109 cardiac patients were transported; 83 by air ambulance (AA), and 26 commercially (C). Diagnoses included MI (63%), unstable angina (31%), congestive heart failure (21%), and arrhythmia (17%). Patients were transported a mean of 7 d (AA) vs. 13.7 d (C) after presentation. Inflight complications, occurring in 10% of AA and 4% of C flights, were minor (chest pain, desaturation, and hypotension), and resolved quickly. In 51 post-MI AA patients, complication rate for transport > 7 d after admission was 0% (vs. 14% <7 d), and > 72 h after last chest pain was 6% (vs. 18% <72 h). Comparing uncomplicated (n = 25) vs. complicated (n = 26) MI reveals fewer complications for transport 0-3 d (13% vs. 50%) and 4-7 d (9% vs. 14%) after admission, and 48-72 h after last chest pain (0% vs. 100%). Conclusions: AA transport of cardiac patients can safely be performed earlier than guidelines for C flights. AA transport appears safe after complicated MI by day 7 or > 72 h chest pain free, and after uncomplicated MI by day 3 or > 48 h chest pain free. Future guidelines for aeromedical transport post-MI should distinguish between C and AA.Keywords: medevac, air ambulance, air evacuation, aeromedical transport, cardiac transport, patient transport, myocardial infarction, unstable angina. Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 72, Number 3 of the ASME journal.
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