Large-scale air-medical transport from a peripheral hospital to level-1 trauma centers after remote mass-casualty incidents in Israel.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) result in the evacuation of many patients to the nearest medical facility. However, an overwhelming number of patients and the type and severity of injuries may demand rapid, mass airmedical transport to more advanced medical centers. This task may be challenging, particularly after a MCI in a neighboring country. The Israeli Air Force Rescue and Airmedical Evacuation Unit (RAEU) is the main executor of airmedical transport in Israel, including MCIs. PROBLEM: The available data on airmedical transport from remote MCIs are limited.The objective of this study was to evaluate the airmedical transport from a rural hospital after two remote MCIs. METHODS: The study was retrospective and reviewed descriptive records of airmedical transports. RESULTS: The RAEU was involved in airmedical transports from a peripheral hospital shortly after two remote MCIs that occurred in the Sinai desert near the Egyptian-Israeli border. Nineteen (22.4%) and 25 (100%) of the treated trauma patients from each event were airmedically transported to Level-1 Trauma Centers in Israel within hours of the dispatch.The rapid dispatch and accumulation of medical personnel and equipment was remarkable. The airmedical surge capacity was broad and sufficient. Cooperation with local authorities and a tailored boarding procedure facilitated a quality outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of a large-scale airmedical transport program with designated multidisciplinary protocols is an essential component to a remote disaster preparedness plan.