Noninferior Red Cell Concentrate Quality after Repeated Air Rescue Mission Transport for Prehospital Transfusion.

Background: Transfusion of red cell concentrates (RCCs) is an integral therapy after severe hemorrhage or trauma. Prehospital transfusion offers an immediate intervention in emergency cases. Air ambulance-based prehospital transfusion, already used in different countries, is currently established in Germany. Limited information is available for regulatory-compliant transport logistics of RCCs and their quality after repeated air rescue missions. Thus, the aim of this study was (i) to validate regulatory-compliant logistics and (ii) to assess product quality, analyzing biochemical parameters and RBC morphology. Study Design and Methods: Due to regulatory requirements, we adapted a rotation system of 1 day transport, 1 day quarantine storage and 1 day storage over the entire RCC shelf life. RCCs transported on air rescue missions (flight group) were compared against a control group, treated identically except for helicopter transport. RCCs were visually inspected, and their temperature was documented throughout the entire rotation cycles. RCCs at the end of shelf life (end point samples) were assessed for levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, free hemoglobin, hemolysis, mean corpuscular volume, potassium and pH. In addition, morphological changes were assessed using flow morphometry. Results: In total 81 RCCs were assessed in the flight group and 50 in the control group. Within the flight group, 30 RCCs were transfused. RCCs were dispatched on average 11 times (7-13 times). The average flight time was 18.3 h (6.6-28.8 h). The rotation system ensured adherence to regulatory guidelines, especially compliance to storage conditions of +2 to +6°C of intermediate storage. Biochemical and morphological quality parameters did not exhibit any changes upon repeated air rescue missions. A correlation with respect to the flight time was not observed either. Discussion: The quality of RCCs after repeated air rescue missions is noninferior to control samples regarding biochemical and morphological parameters. The product quality is within German regulations for up to 42 days of storage. The logistics and maintenance of the thermal conditions are safe and feasible. Thus, a rotation system of RCCs offers a regulatory-compliant option to supply air rescue missions with RCCs to allow life-saving prehospital transfusions at the incident scene.

The Nipple as a Landmark for Needle Decompression of Tension Pneumothorax in Children - A CT-Based Evaluation and Proposal of an Alternative Insertion Site.

OBJECTIVE: Needle decompression of tension pneumothorax in children is a rarely encountered but potentially life-saving procedure, that is accompanied by a certain risk of injury. We evaluated the nipple as a landmark for an alternative anterior insertion site and as an aid in localizing lateral insertion sites, as well as its influence on the safety profile of the procedure. METHODS: In thoracic computer tomography scans of children aged 0-10 years, the distance to the closest vital structure was compared between the traditional anterior insertion site (2nd intercostal space midclavicular line) and an alternative anterior insertion site (2nd intercostal space at the nipple line). Furthermore, the level of the nipple at the midaxillary line was investigated as guidance in quickly localizing the lateral insertion site and ensuring an insertion site high enough to avoid intraabdominal injury by the decompression needle. Additionally, correlation of these measures with age was investigated. RESULTS: The distance to the closest vital structure at the 2nd intercostal space was significantly bigger at the nipple line compared to the midclavicular line (right: 2.23 ± 1.13 cm vs. 0.99 ± 0.80 cm, p < 0.0001; left: 1.92 ± 1.19 cm vs. 0.81 ± 0.70 cm, p < 0.0001). At the midaxillary line, the level of the nipple was at the 4th or 5th intercostal space in the majority of children (right: 83.8%; left: 88.1%). The mean distance from the nipple to the diaphragmatic cupola was 2.63 ± 1.85 cm on the right and 3.40 ± 1.86 cm on the left hemithorax. CONCLUSION: When performing anterior needle decompression in children, we recommend inserting the needle at the more lateral insertion site at the 2nd intercostal space at the nipple line. At the lateral decompression sites, the nipple can be used as a marker for localizing the correct intercostal space for insertion and thereby ensuring enough caudad distance to the diaphragm to avoid abdominal injury.

Blood Product Supply for a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

BACKGROUND: Long patient transport times to trauma centers are a well-known problem in sparsely populated regions with a low hospital density. Transfusion of red blood cell concentrates (RBC) and plasma improves outcome of trauma patients with severe bleeding. Helicopter emergency services (HEMS) are frequently employed to provide early advanced medical care and to reduce time to hospital admission. Supplying HEMS with blood products allows prehospital transfusion and may help to prevent exsanguination or prolonged hemorrhagic shock. We have investigated the maintenance of blood product quality under air transport conditions and the logistical steps to introduce a HEMS blood depot into routine practice. METHODS: A risk analysis was performed and a validation plan developed. A special, commercially available transport container for blood products was identified. Maintenance of temperature conditions between 2 and 6°C in the box were monitored at ambient temperatures up to 35°C over 48 h. Quality of blood products before and after helicopter air transport were evaluated including (1) for RBCs: hemoglobin, hematocrit, hemolysis rate; (2) for thawed plasma: aPTT, INR, single clotting factor activities. The logistics for blood supply of the regional HEMS were developed by the transfusion service of the Greifswald University Hospital in collaboration with the in-hospital transport team, the HEMS team, and the HEMS operator. RESULTS: The transport container maintained a temperature below 6°C up to 36 h at 35°C ambient temperature. Vibration during helicopter operation did not impair quality of RBC and thawed plasma. To provide blood products for HEMS at least two transport containers and an additional set of cooling tiles is needed as the cooling tiles need a special temperature priming over 20 h. The two boxes were used at alternate days. To reduce wastage, RBCs and thawed plasmas were exchanged every fourth day and reintegrated into the blood bank inventory for further in-hospital use. CONCLUSIONS: Supplying HEMS with RBCs and plasma is feasible. Helicopter transport has no negative impact on blood product quality. The logistic challenges require close collaboration between the HEMS team and the blood transfusion service.

[Prehospital treatment of tension pneumothorax in children-which decisions do we make? : Results of a survey among German emergency physicians]. / Die prähospitale Therapie eines Spannungspneumothorax bei Kindern ­ welche Entscheidungen treffen wir? : Ergebnisse einer Umfrage unter deutschen Notärzten.

BACKGROUND: The preclinical treatment of a traumatic or spontaneous tension pneumothorax remains a particular challenge in pediatric patients. Currently recommended interventions for decompression are either finger thoracostomy or needle decompression. Due to the tiny intercostal spaces, finger thoracostomy may not be feasible in small children and surgical preparation may be necessary. In needle decompression, the risk of injuring underlying vital structures is increased because of the smaller anatomic structures. As most emergency physicians do not regularly work in pediatric trauma care, decompression of tension pneumothorax is associated with significant uncertainty; however, in this rare emergency situation, consistent and goal-oriented action is mandatory and lifesaving. An assessment of pre-existing experience and commonly used techniques therefore seems necessary to deduce the need for future education and training. OBJECTIVE: In this study an online survey was created to evaluate the experience and the favored prehospital treatment of tension pneumothorax in children among German emergency physicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted with 43 questions on previous experience with tension pneumothorax in children, favored decompression technique and anatomical structures in different age groups. Surveyed were the emergency physicians of the ground-based emergency medical service of the University Medical Center Mannheim, the German Air Rescue Service (DRF) and the pediatric emergency medical service of the City of Munich. RESULTS: More than half of all respondents stated that there was uncertainty about the procedure of choice. Needle decompression was favored in smaller children and mini-thoracostomy in older children. In comparison with the literature, the thickness of the chest wall was mostly estimated correctly by the emergency medical physicians. The depth of the vital structures was underestimated at most of the possible insertion sites in all age groups. At the lateral insertion sites on the left hemithorax, however, the distance to the left ventricle was overestimated. The caliber of the needle selected for decompression tended to be too large, especially in younger children. CONCLUSION: Even though having interviewed an experienced group of prehospital emergency physicians, the experience in decompression of tension pneumothorax in children is relatively scant. Knowledge of chest wall thickness and depth to vital structures is sufficient, the choice of needle calibers tends to be too large but still reasonable. For many providers a large amount of uncertainty about the right choice of technique and equipment arises from the challenge of decompressing a tension pneumothorax in children and therefore further theoretical education and regular training are required for safe performance of the procedure.

[Clamshell thoracotomy after thoracic knife wounds]. / Clamshell-Thorakotomie nach thorakalen Messerstichen.

Resuscitation in the event of traumatic cardiac arrest was for a long time considered to be a less than promising technique to employ; however, current data indicate that the prospects of success need not be any poorer than for resuscitation due to cardiac distress. The targeted and rapid remedying of reversible causes can re-establish the circulatory function and the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) algorithm for traumatic cardiac arrest is a helpful guide in this respect. This case report illustrates the resolute implementation of this algorithm in the prehospital environment in the case of an attempted suicide by a thoracic knife wound.

Pre-hospital analgesia in pediatric trauma and critically ill patients: An analysis of a German air rescue service.

BACKGROUND: Pain management in the pre-hospital setting remains a particular challenge for paramedics and emergency physicians, especially in children. This study evaluates the pre-hospital use and effect of analgesics in children with trauma or pain due to other reasons. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of the database of a German air rescue service and was conducted over a period of 9 years (2012-2020) to assess pain in general and whether patients with trauma pain due to other reasons received treatment with analgesics. We included all patients in the registry under the age of 16 years. Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3 at hospital admission and incomplete records were excluded. The intensity of pain was determined by the emergency physician on scene at arrival and hospital admission in a ten-point rating scale (0 = no pain). Effective pain reduction was analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 227,458 cases, a total of 22,025 emergency cases involved pediatric patients aged 0-16 years. 20,405 cases were included in the study. 12,000 (58.8%) children had suffered a trauma, 8108 (39.7%) had pain due to other reasons and 297 (1.5%) had both. In total, 4,608 (38.4%) of the children with trauma were assessed having a numerical rating scale (NRS) > 4 at EMS arrival. These patients received mainly ketamine (34.5%) and the opioids fentanyl (38.7%) and piritramide (19.1%). The value on the NRS was significantly lower at admission to hospital (mean 1.9) compared with the EMS arrival (mean 6.9). In 4.9% the NRS at hospital admission was still > 4. 282 patients within the non-trauma group had a pre-hospital NRS of > 4. The pain therapy consisted of opioids (35.8%) and ketamine (2.8%). 28.4% patients in the non-trauma group received no pain medication. In 16.0% the NRS at hospital admission was still > 4. CONCLUSIONS: German emergency physicians achieved a sufficient pain therapy in pediatric patients with a NRS > 4 after trauma. In case of non-trauma, the pain management by the emergency physicians is restrained and less successful. The most common analgesic medications administered were ketamine and fentanyl, followed by piritramide. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been retrospectively registered at DRKS (DRKS00026222).

Sonographic assessment of pediatric chest wall thickness and width of the intercostal space: correlation with anthropometric data and implications for needle decompression.

BACKGROUND: Emergent needle decompression in children is a rare event for emergency medicine and critical care providers. Hereby, risk of injury of intrathoracic structures is high and knowledge of age-specific values of chest wall thickness and width of the intercostal space (ICS) is crucial to avoid injuries. Investigation of the correlation of chest wall thickness and width of the intercostal space with age and body dimension like weight and height could provide guidance on depth of insertion and choice of the needle. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational clinical trial in a pediatric surgery operating room that included a convenient sample of children aged 0-10 years undergoing elective surgery. Chest wall thickness and width of the intercostal space were measured with ultrasound at 2nd ICS midclavicular line (MCL) and 4th ICS anterior axillary line (AAL). Correlation of these measures with age, height, weight, BMI and Broselow color was calculated. Furthermore, intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated as a measure of reproducibility and the presence of vital structures (e.g., heart, thymus gland, large pulmonary vessels) at the possible insertion sites for needle decompression was investigated. RESULTS: Of 410 potentially eligible patients, 300 were included in the study. Correlation of chest wall thickness was moderate with weight (2nd ICS MCL: r = 0.57; 4th ICS MCL: r = 0.64) and BMI (r = 0.44 and r = 0.6) and was lower with age (r = 0.38 for both intercostal spaces), height (r = 0.42 and r = 0.40) and Broselow color (r = 0.42 and r = 0.38). Correlation of width of the ICS with anthropometric data was generally stronger, with height showing the strongest, albeit not really strong, correlation (r = 0.71 and r = 0.62). Intra-class correlation was excellent with an ICC of 0.93. Vital structures were significantly more often present at 2nd ICS MCL then at 4th ICS AAL (14 vs. 2 patients; p = 0.0042). CONCLUSIONS: Correlation of chest wall thickness and width of the intercostal space with anthropometric data is at most moderate. Insertion depth and width of the intercostal space can therefore not be predicted accurately from anthropometric data. Ultrasound assessment of the thoracic wall appears to be a reliable technique and could therefore assist in reducing the risk of injury and increasing decompression success. Trial registration German clinical trials register, DRKS00014973, Registered February 11th 2019, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00014973.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practices in the helicopter emergency medical services in Europe: results of an online survey.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which Point-of-care of ultrasound (POCUS) is used in different European helicopter EMS (HEMS) is unknown. We aimed to study the availability, perception, and future aspects of POCUS in the European HEMS using an online survey. METHOD: A survey about the use of POCUS in HEMS was conducted by a multinational steering expert committee and was carried out from November 30, 2020 to December 30, 2020 via an online web portal. Invitations for participation were sent via email to the medical directors of the European HEMS organizations including two reminding notes. RESULTS: During the study period, 69 participants from 25 countries and 41 different HEMS providers took part in the survey. 96% (n = 66) completed the survey. POCUS was available in 75% (56% always when needed and 19% occasionally) of the responding HEMS organizations. 17% were planning to establish POCUS in the near future. Responders who provided POCUS used it in approximately 15% of the patients. Participants thought that POCUS is important in both trauma and non-trauma-patients (73%, n = 46). The extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) protocol (77%) was the most common protocol used. A POCUS credentialing process including documented examinations was requested in less than one third of the HEMS organizations. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the HEMS organizations in Europe are able to provide different POCUS protocols in their services. The most used POCUS protocols were eFAST, FATE and RUSH. Despite the enthusiasm for POCUS, comprehensive training and clear credentialing processes are not available in about two thirds of the European HEMS organizations. Due to several limitations of this survey further studies are needed to evaluate POCUS in HEMS.

Decision support tool and suggestions for the development of guidelines for the helicopter transport of patients with COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 emerged in December 2019 and is now pandemic. Initial analysis suggests that 5% of infected patients will require critical care, and that respiratory failure requiring intubation is associated with high mortality.Sick patients are geographically dispersed: most patients will remain in situ until they are in need of critical care. Additionally, there are likely to be patients who require retrieval for other reasons but who are co-incidentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 or shedding virus.The COVID-19 pandemic therefore poses a challenge to critical care retrieval systems, which often depend on small teams of specialists who live and work together closely. The infection or quarantining of a small absolute number of these staff could catastrophically compromise service delivery.Avoiding occupational exposure to COVID-19, and thereby ensuring service continuity, is the primary objective of aeromedical retrieval services during the pandemic. In this discussion paper we collaborated with helicopter emergency medical services(HEMS) worldwide to identify risks in retrieving COVID-19 patients, and develop strategies to mitigate these.Simulation involving the whole aeromedical retrieval team ensures that safety concerns can be addressed during the development of a standard operating procedure. Some services tested personal protective equipment and protocols in the aeromedical environment with simulation. We also incorporated experiences, standard operating procedures and approaches across several HEMS services internationally.As a result of this collaboration, we outline an approach to the safe aeromedical retrieval of a COVID-19 patient, and describe how this framework can be used to develop a local standard operating procedure.

1-Phenyl-1,2-cyclohexadiene: generation, interception by activated olefins, dimerisation and trimerisation.

Four possible precursors of 1-phenyl-1,2-cyclohexadiene (2) were examined, namely, 6,6-dibromo-1-phenylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, (1alpha,5alpha,6alpha)-6-bromo-6-fluoro-1-phenylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 1-bromo-2-phenylcyclohexene and 1-bromo-6-phenylcyclohexene. All four compounds could be converted into 2, as demonstrated by the products of the interception of 2 with activated olefins. Styrene, 1,1-diphenylethene, indene, furan and 2,5-dimethylfuran were employed as such. Whereas the first three gave [2+2] cycloadducts of 2, the last two provided one [4+2] cycloadduct each. To create the [2+2] cycloadducts, the pi bond of 2 that is more remote from the phenyl group reacted, whereas the pi bond of 2 conjugated with the phenyl group exclusively produced the [4+2] cycloadducts. The generation of 2 in the absence of a trapping reagent brought about relatively good yields of a dimer or a trimer of 2 depending on the mode of the liberation of 2. Being derivatives of triphenylene, the dimer as well as the trimer have unusual structures, thereby indicating that a phenyl group is participating in the formation of these compounds. The most surprising structure of the trimer was elucidated by X-ray crystal diffraction. As to the mechanisms, diradical intermediates are proposed both for the cycloadditions and for the dimerisation. The initial steps of the latter seem to proceed also in the trimerisation.

Determining optimal needle size for decompression of tension pneumothorax in children - a CT-based study.

BACKGROUND: For neonates and children requiring decompression of tension pneumothorax, specific recommendations for the choice of needle type and size are missing. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine optimal length and diameter of needles for decompression of tension pneumothorax in paediatric patients. METHODS: Utilizing computed tomography, we determined optimal length and diameter of needles to enable successful decompression and at the same time minimize risk of injury to intrathoracic structures and the intercostal vessels and nerve. Preexisting computed tomography scans of the chest were reviewed in children aged 0, 5 and 10 years. Chest wall thickness and width of the intercostal space were measured at the 4th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line (AAL) on both sides of the thorax. In each age group, three needles different in bore and length were evaluated regarding sufficient length for decompression and risk of injury to intrathoracic organs and the intercostal vessels and nerve. RESULTS: 197 CT-scans were reviewed, of which 58 were excluded, resulting in a study population of 139 children and 278 measurements. Width of the intercostal space was small at 4th ICS AAL (0 years: 0.44 ± 0.13 cm; 5 years: 0.78 ± 0.22 cm; 10 years: 1.12 ± 0.36 cm). The ratio of decompression failure to risk of injury at 4th ICS AAL was most favourable for a 22G/2.5 cm catheter in infants (Decompression failure: right: 2%, left: 4%, Risk of injury: right: 14%, left: 24%), a 22G/2.5 cm or a 20G/3.2 cm catheter in 5-year-old children (20G/3.2 cm: Decompression failure: right: 2.1%, left: 0%, Risk of injury: right: 2.1%, left: 17%) and a 18G/4.5 cm needle in 10-year-old children (Decompression failure: right: 9.5%, left: 9.5%, Risk of injury: right: 7.1%, left: 11.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In children aged 0, 5 and 10 years presenting with a tension pneumothorax, we recommend 22G/2.5 cm, 20G/3.2 cm and 18G/4.5 cm needles, respectively, for acute decompression.

Chest wall thickness and depth to vital structures in paediatric patients - implications for prehospital needle decompression of tension pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations regarding decompression of tension pneumothorax in small children are scarce and mainly transferred from the adult literature without existing evidence for the paediatric population. This CT-based study evaluates chest wall thickness, width of the intercostal space (ICS) and risk of injury to vital structures by needle decompression in children. METHODS: Chest wall thickness, width of the intercostal space and depth to vital structures were measured and evaluated at 2nd ICS midclavicular (MCL) line and 4th ICS anterior axillary line (AAL) on both sides of the thorax using computed tomography (CT) in 139 children in three different age groups (0, 5, 10 years). RESULTS: Width of the intercostal space was significantly smaller at the 4th ICS compared to the 2nd ICS in all age groups on both sides of the thorax. Chest wall thickness was marginally smaller at the 4th ICS compared to the 2nd ICS in infants and significantly smaller at 4th ICS in children aged 5 years and 10 years. Depth to vital structure for correct angle of needle entry was smaller at the 4th ICS in all age groups on both sides of the thorax. Incorrect angle of needle entry however is accompanied by a higher risk of injury at 2nd ICS. Furthermore, in some children aged 0 and 5 years, the heart or the thymus gland were found directly adjacent to the thoracic wall at 2nd ICS midclavicular line. CONCLUSION: Especially in small children risk of iatrogenic injury to vital structures by needle decompression is considerably high. The 4th ICS AAL offers a smaller chest wall thickness, but the width of the ICS is smaller and the risk of injury to the intercostal vessels and nerve is greater. Deviations from correct angle of entry however are accompanied by higher risk of injury to intrathoracic structures at the 2nd ICS. Furthermore, we found the heart and the thymus gland to be directly adjacent to the thoracic wall at the 2nd ICS MCL in a few children. From our point of view this puncture site can therefore not be recommended for decompression in small children. We therefore recommend 4th ICS AAL as the primary site of choice.

Focused echocardiographic evaluation in life support and peri-resuscitation of emergency patients: a prospective trial.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Focused ultrasound is increasingly used in the emergency setting, with an ALS-compliant focused echocardiography algorithm proposed as an adjunct in peri-resuscitation care (FEEL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of FEEL in pre-hospital resuscitation, the incidence of potentially treatable conditions detected, and the influence on patient management. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study in a pre-hospital emergency setting in patients actively undergoing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or in a shock state. The FEEL protocol was applied by trained emergency doctors, following which a standardised report sheet was completed, including echo findings and any echo-directed change in management. These reports were then analysed independently. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were included, with 204 undergoing a FEEL examination during ongoing cardiac arrest (100) and in a shock state (104). Images of diagnostic quality were obtained in 96%. In 35% of those with an ECG diagnosis of asystole, and 58% of those with PEA, coordinated cardiac motion was detected, and associated with increased survival. Echocardiographic findings altered management in 78% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Application of ALS-compliant echocardiography in pre-hospital care is feasible, and alters diagnosis and management in a significant number of patients. Further research into its effect on patient outcomes is warranted.