I would like to reply to your stated question. The decision to wait for the air transport provider versus grounding the multiple trauma patient should take into consideration the level of care that can be provided. The air transport system may be able to provide more invasive and additional interventions not performed by the ground crew that could impact the patient's survivability. The program I work with provides rapid sequence intubation, cook catheter placement for pneumonthoraces, pericardiocentesis, and adult IO placement. None of these procedures are performed by the ground EMS providers and when we are looking at a 30-40 minute transport time could make the difference on delivering a viable patient to the trauma center. When looking at time related factors, the level of care and scope of practice of the providers should be viewed.
Thanks,
John Lunde, RN, MSN, CRNP, CFRN, NREMT-P
Clinical Director, Emory Flight
Griffin, Georgia Base
