UTILIZATION OF AIR SUPPORT IN THE POLISH EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTE M FOR PATIENTS WITH OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST

Abstract

The aim: This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of air support in cases of OHCA in the Polish emergency medical system, in particular to assess the prevalence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and to determine the 30-day survival of patients. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study based on the analysis of aviation and medical records of all HEMS missions in 2014 was conducted. Patients’ follow-up was traced using information from nationwide databases. The inclusion criterion for the study was both the disposal of HEMS to OHCA and the appearance of OHCA during the intervention. Results: During the research period PMAR aircraft performed 8366 missions. The criteria for inclusion were met for 574 missions. Most often HEMS crews intervened in cases of OHCA in men and patients over 60 years old. In 58% of all cases OHCA has a cardiological background and the most common first rhythm was asystole. ROSC was obtained in 237 (41.2%) cases and 30-day survival was observed in 10.4% of patients in the study population. Conclusions: The utilization of air support in the Polish emergency medical system has a positive impact on the prehospital phase of the therapeutic process of OHCA patients. The cooperation between GEMS and HEMS in OHCA cases in Poland allows obtaining ROSC and 30-day survival of patients at the level of countries with the well-developed emergency medical systems in the world.