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Large-Scale Airmedical Transport from a Peripheral Hospital to Level-1 Trauma Centers after Remote Mass-Casualty Incidents in Israel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Ophir Lavon ,
Dan Hershko  and
Erez Barenboim
Ophir Lavon*
Affiliation:
Israeli Air Force Rescue and Airmedical Evacuation Unit, Israel
Dan Hershko
Affiliation:
Israeli Air Force Rescue and Airmedical Evacuation Unit, Israel
Erez Barenboim
Affiliation:
Israeli Air Force Surgeon General Headquarters, Israel
*
Israeli Air Force Rescue and AirmedicalEvacuation UnitPOB 13289Nesher 36760Israel E-mail: ophir.lavon@gmail.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

Mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) result in the evacuation of many patients to the nearest medical facility. However, an overwhelming number of patients and the type and severity of injuries may demand rapid, mass airmedical transport to more advanced medical centers. This task may be challenging, particularly after a MCI in a neighboring country. The Israeli Air Force Rescue and Airmedical Evacuation Unit (RAEU) is the main executor of airmedical transport in Israel, including MCIs.

Problem:

The available data on airmedical transport from remote MCIs are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the airmedical transport from a rural hospital after two remote MCIs.

Methods:

The study was retrospective and reviewed descriptive records of airmedical transports.

Results:

The RAEU was involved in airmedical transports from a peripheral hospital shortly after two remote MCIs that occurred in the Sinai desert near the Egyptian-Israeli border. Nineteen (22.4%) and 25 (100%) of the treated trauma patients from each event were airmedically transported to Level-1 Trauma Centers in Israel within hours of the dispatch. The rapid dispatch and accumulation of medical personnel and equipment was remarkable. The airmedical surge capacity was broad and sufficient. Cooperation with local authorities and a tailored boarding procedure facilitated a quality outcome.

Conclusions:

The incorporation of a large-scale airmedical transport program with designated multidisciplinary protocols is an essential component to a remote disaster preparedness plan.

Type
Case Study
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 24 , Issue 6 , December 2009 , pp. 549 - 555
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2009

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