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Mon Sep 28 13:02:09 BST 2009

Interesting question.

As an amateur, could I first clarify whether I understand the question correctly. Please tell me whether I have summarised it well:

1. Under the circumsatnces as described, is there evidence that a potential time saving of 30 minutes (going by air vs. road) will make a significant difference to the outcome of this case?

Is that about right?

And here's another point I've just thought of:

2. If the road vehicle which brought the patient in was HELD at the ED while the patient was received, intubated, stabilised and scanned (just in case a decorticate patient required transfer) it would have been there to get the patient to neurosurgeon in 30 minutes - would that be "close enough" to the helicopter transfer times you quoted to make the flight unnecessary?

------------------

From: cadeth66 at aol.com
> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:46:01 +0000
> 
> In light of the recent EMS Helicopter crash I extend my condolences to their families. 
> 
> 
> But I want to pose a question to the list if you would have or would have not airlifted this patient?
> 
> 17 y/o caucasian female calls 9-1-1 with "severe headache and left sided numbness" local BLS arrives begins assesment, ALS arrives but is cxl'd by BLS "services not needed" pt is brought into ED unresponsive and decorticate posturing. Pt intubated w/in 5 min of arrival in ED. Pt sent to CT head which shows intracranial bleed 8mm, midline shift w/ mass effect ( forgive me if this is wrong) pt begins to become unstable bp tanks etc etc..... Neuro consult wants immed transfer. Ground or Air? Ground will take 30 min to get to hosp and another 30 to transferr to neuro institute. Helo takes 15 eta to hosp, hot load, 15 min to neuro institute....
> 
> 
> Weather clear and its roughly 2 AM
> 

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