Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Performing Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) across Borders -Mid-Term Follow Up of the Aeromedical Evacuation after Civilian Bus Accident at Madeira

Version 1 : Received: 25 May 2023 / Approved: 26 May 2023 / Online: 26 May 2023 (07:55:08 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Imach, S.; Deschler, A.; Sammito, S.; Reis, M.; Michaelis, S.; Marche, B.; Paffrath, T.; Bouillon, B.; Tjardes, T. Performing Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) across Borders: Midterm Follow-Up of the Aeromedical Evacuation after Civilian Bus Accident at Madeira. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 4556. Imach, S.; Deschler, A.; Sammito, S.; Reis, M.; Michaelis, S.; Marche, B.; Paffrath, T.; Bouillon, B.; Tjardes, T. Performing Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) across Borders: Midterm Follow-Up of the Aeromedical Evacuation after Civilian Bus Accident at Madeira. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 4556.

Abstract

On April 17, 2019, a coach with tourists from Germany crashed in Madeira requiring repatriation by the German Air Force. The Advance Trauma Life Support (ATLS) concept was the central component of patient care. Data in Madeira were collected through a structured interview. The analysis of the Aeromedical Evacuation was based on intensive care transport records. In Germany all available were reviewed for data collection. Quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Twenty-eight prehospital patients were transported to the Level III Trauma Center in Funchal (Madeira). Five operative procedures were performed. Fifteen patients were eligible for Aeromedical Evacuation (AE). In the second hospital phase in Germany in total 82 radiological images and nine operations were performed. Hospital stay lasted 11 days (median, IQR 10–18). Median Follow-up (14 of 15 patients) was 16 months (IQR 16–21). 80% (8 out of 10) showed an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six key findings were identified in this study: divergent injury classification, impact of AE mission on health status, lack of communication, need of PTSD prophylaxis, patient identification, media coverage. Those findings may improve AE missions in the future e.g. required after armed conflicts.

Keywords

1. traumatology; 2. Trauma surgery; 3. disaster medicine; 4. patient transfer; 5. trauma rehabilitation; 6. Advanced Trauma Life Support Care; 7. air ambulances

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Emergency Medicine

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