Influence of Time to Transport on Clinical Outcomes Following Evacuation from Theater (LRMC/CONUS)
Abstract
Background: The survival of combat-related, traumatically injured patients has improved, in part, due to the use of aeromedical evacuation platforms. One of the military medical evacuation teams operating in the combat setting is the Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT). It is vital to identify the evacuation needs of all casualties but equally important to determine patient and injury-specific needs of those transported out of theater via CCATT. One patient population of interest is casualties who sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) in combat. The incidence of TBI in combat is estimated to be upwards of 20 percent constituting a significant portion of combat injuries. The optimal time to transport patients with TBI and the influence of aeromedical evacuation on patient outcomes remains unknown and no clinical studies to date have addressed this question. Treatment of TBI may require unique surgical interventions as well as delaying transport out of theater. While expeditious patient transport is advantageous, it may be more prudent and beneficial to the patient to have a delay in transport following necessary procedures and stabilization in theatre.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 29, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1130706
Entities
People
- Crystal A. Perez
- Joseph K Maddry
- Shelia Savell
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing