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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | Original research

Mechanical chest compression devices in the helicopter emergency medical service in Switzerland

Authors: Urs Pietsch, David Reiser, Volker Wenzel, Jürgen Knapp, Mario Tissi, Lorenz Theiler, Simon Rauch, Lorenz Meuli, Roland Albrecht

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Over the past years, several emergency medical service providers have introduced mechanical chest compression devices (MCDs) in their protocols for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Especially in helicopter emergency medical systems (HEMS), which have limitations regarding loading weight and space and typically operate in rural and remote areas, whether MCDs have benefits for patients is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of MCDs in a large Swiss HEMS system.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of all HEMS missions of Swiss Air rescue Rega between January 2014 and June 2016 with the use of an MCD (Autopulse®). Details of MCD use and patient outcome are reported from the medical operation journals and the hospitals’ discharge letters.

Results

MCDs were used in 626 HEMS missions, and 590 patients (94%) could be included. 478 (81%) were primary missions and 112 (19%) were interhospital transfers. Forty-nine of the patients in primary missions were loaded under ongoing CPR with MCDs. Of the patients loaded after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 20 (7%) experienced a second CA during the flight. In interhospital transfers, 102 (91%) only needed standby use of the MCD. Five (5%) patients were loaded into the helicopter with ongoing CPR. Five (5%) patients went into CA during flight and the MCD had to be activated. A shockable cardiac arrhythmia was the only factor significantly associated with better survival in resuscitation missions using MCD (OR 0.176, 95% confidence interval 0.084 to 0.372, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We conclude that equipping HEMS with MCDs may be beneficial, with non-trauma patients potentially benefitting more than trauma patients.

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Title: Mechanical chest compression devices in the helicopter emergency medical service in Switzerland
Authors: Urs Pietsch
David Reiser
Volker Wenzel
Jürgen Knapp
Mario Tissi
Lorenz Theiler
Simon Rauch
Lorenz Meuli
Roland Albrecht
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1757-7241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-020-00758-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Mechanical chest compression devices in the helicopter emergency medical service in Switzerland

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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