Research from life-saving charity Air Surulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) in partnership with the University of Surrey has shown the benefits of sending HEMS to patients with sudden sudden unexplained medical origin and high frequency of hungry neurological pathology.
The study – believed to be the first publication on the spread of HEMS to non-traumatic (neuro) cases – also highlights how HEMS regulators in communication with ambulance staff are able to treat patients. selects that require specific HEMS interventions and, based on its findings, identifies opportunities to develop triage for these patients.
Through a retrospective study of all patients with LOC who attended KSS between 2 July 2013 and 19 December 2017 the research found:
- 127 patients with unexplained LOC were present with KSS, with KSS referred directly to 25% of patients and 75% on request from the ground ambulance teams
- KSS was requested to perform specialized HEMS interventions in 65% of these patients
- 77% of these patients were admitted to the hospital by KSS
Sudden LOC in the prehospital setting without cardiac arrest and seizure activity is a challenge from a vendor perspective: the aetology is mixed, with many causes immobilized and largely self-limiting.
However, other causes can be life threatening, with patients requiring HEMS experience. HEMS teams have developed knowledge and skills that enable them to deliver specific advanced treatments, usually only available in the hospital, that can address some of the purpose of the LOC. HEMS involvement has been shown to shorten viewing times for critically ill patients, and accelerate hospital transport times.
However, HEMS is a scarce resource and, as this study shows, there is scope to develop triage for non – trauma patients. This will allow greater accuracy and help more patients with unexplained life-threatening LOC.
Speaking, Professor Richard Lyon MBE, Deputy Medical Director at KSS and Professor of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care at the University of Surrey, said:
“We know that specialized interventions, such as emergency anesthesia, when delivered at the scene of an accident, can significantly improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury. This study highlights that a group of patients suffering from a sudden neurological crisis that could benefit from the ambulance that serves to deliver hospital-intensive intensive care quickly. “
“HEMS is a valuable but scarce medical resource so it is vital that the HEMS team is called upon by those patients who are getting the most benefit. KSS is a charity, reliant on public donations and fundraising for the £ 15 million it spends each year to deliver its service to the 4.8 million people it serves. “
“The development of triage for these patients is essential, so that those patients who need emergency care immediately, as soon as possible. Further research is now underway, in partnership with the University of Surrey , going on to explore how they can improve ambulance medically.improves issues, including a study using live video footage from 999 callers. ”
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