Clinical Research

Survival of Out-of-Hospital Pediatric Blunt Traumatic Arrest With Full Neurologic Recovery: Case Report

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Zachary T. Fica MD, MS; Amy Marquez MSN, CFRN; John Ehrhart FPC; Christian Sloane MD Abstract We present the case of a 10-year-old previously healthy male who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest because of abdominal trauma and survived with excellent neurologic outcomes and near complete return to baseline functional status at hospital discharge. The rapid response and efficient mobilization of resources led to an excellent patient outcome despite the severity of injuries, […]

Implementation of a Rapid Sequence Intubation Checklist Improves First-Pass Success and Reduces Peri-Intubation Hypoxia in Air Medical Transport

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David J. Olvera MBA, NRP, FP-C, CMTE; Michael Lauria MD, NRP, FP-C; Jeremy Norman BAS, NRP, FP-C; David Gothard MS; Andrew D. Gothard BS; William Bradley Weir MD, FACEP, FAEMS, FAMPA Abstract Objective Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a critical skill commonly performed by air medical teams in the United States. To improve safety and reduce potential patient harm, checklists have been implemented by various institutions in intensive care units, emergency departments, and even prehospital air medical […]

Prehospital Active and Passive Warming in Trauma Patients

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This study was performed to investigate the effect of active and passive warming measures implemented in the prehospital phase on the body temperature of trauma patients.

Bolus Vasopressor Use for Air Medical Rapid Sequence Intubation: The Vasopressor Intravenous Push to Enhance Resuscitation Trial

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Daniel P. Davis, MD; David Olvera, BA, NRP, FP-C, CMTE; William Selde, MD; John Wilmas, MD; David Stuhlmiller, MD Abstract Background Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) may compromise perfusion because of the use of sympatholytic medications as well as subsequent positive pressure ventilation. The use of bolus vasopressor agents may reverse hypotension and prevent arrest. Methods […]

Are Pediatric Manual Resuscitators Only Fit for Pediatric Use? A Comparison of Ventilation Volumes in a Moving Ambulance

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Gregory Sun, Susan Wojcik, Jennifer Noce, Nicholas Cochran-Caggiano, Tracie DeSantis, Steven Friedman, Derek R. Cooney & Chrisitan Knutsen Abstract Background:  The manual resuscitator device is the most common method of ventilating patients with respiratory failure, either with a facemask, or with an advanced airway such as an endotracheal tube (ETT). Barotrauma and gastric inflation from […]

Descriptive Analysis of Blood Product Administration in Air Medical Trauma Patients

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Daniel P. Davis, MD — Scientific Advisor/Medical director, Air Methods Corporation; Dave Olvera, BA, NRP — Director of Clinical research, Air Methods Corporation; Leslie Brown, BS, NRP, FP-C, TP-C — Clinical Base Lead – Flight Paramedic, Air Methods Corporation; Kaitlyn Price, BSN, RN, CFRN, TCRN — Flight Nurse, Air Methods Corporation; Laura Smith, BSN, RN, […]

The Optimal Preoxygenation Target to Avoid Desaturation During Pediatric Rapid Sequence Intubation

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Jennifer Noce BA, NRP, CCEMTP, FP-C, CCP-C David Olvera BA, NRP, FP-C, CMTE Daniel Davis MD Abstract Background: Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a critical procedure in the resuscitation of critically ill and injured patients but carries an important risk of oxygen desaturation. In the adult population, a target preoxygenation threshold of >93% has been […]

Air Medical Administration of Whole Blood Versus Packed Red Blood Cells for Trauma Patients

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Leslie Brown, BS, FP-C, TP-C, NRP; Daniel P. Davis, MD; Kaitlyn Price, BSN, RN, CFRN, TCRN; Laura Smith, BSN, RN, CFRN, CEN, EMT-P — Air Methods Corporation Abstract Background: Early blood administration is associated with improved survival from traumatic shock, but the use of whole blood (WB) versus packed red blood cells (PRBCs) remains controversial. […]

Hemodynamics in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Patients Undergoing Rapid Sequence Intubation With Etomidate or Ketamine

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Scott Kunkel; Timothy Lenz Abstract Background: Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is performed by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) providers to establish airway control. Common induction agents are etomidate and ketamine, both touted to have relatively stable hemodynamic profiles. Limited data comparing these medications in the air medical setting exist. Objective: Compare administration of ketamine and […]

The AIR-SED Study: A Multicenter Cohort Study of SEDation Practices, Deep Sedation, and Coma Among Mechanically Ventilated AIR Transport Patients

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Moy, Hawnwan P. MD; Olvera, David BA, FP-C, NRP, CMTE; Nayman, B. Daniel MBA, NRP, CCP-C, FP-C; Pappal, Ryan D. BS, NRP; Hayes, Jane M. MPH; Mohr, Nicholas M. MD, MS; Kollef, Marin H. MD; Palmer, Christopher M. MD, FCCM; Ablordeppey, Enyo MD, MPH; Faine, Brett PharmD, MS; Roberts, Brian W. MD, MSc; Fuller, Brian […]

Compliance and Attitudes of Critical Care Transport Providers Regarding a Prehospital Rapid Sequence Intubation Checklist

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David Olvera, BA, NRP; Michael J. Lauria, MD, NRP, FP-C; Jennifer Noce, NRP, CCEMTP, FP-C, CCP-C; William B. Weir, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, FAEMS Abstract Human factors engineering innovations, such as checklists, have been adopted in various acute care settings to improve safety with reasonable compliance and acceptance. In the air medical industry, checklists have been […]

Examination of Primary Bougie Use in Air Medical Intubations

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Thomas Crain, BSN, RN, CFRN FP-C; Daniel Davis, MD, FACEP; Darrin Buchta, BS, NRP, FP-C, MTSP-C — Air Methods Corporation Introduction: Use of a bougie during emergency rapid sequence intubation (RSI) appears to increase first attempt success but may increase time to a definitive airway. This analysis was performed to explore primary use of a […]