Overcoming distance: an exploration of current practices of government and charity-funded critical care transport and retrieval organizations.

BACKGROUND: For critically ill and injured patients, timely access to definitive care is associated with a reduction in avoidable mortality. Access to definitive care is significantly affected by geographic remoteness. To overcome this disparity, a robust critical care transport (CCT) or retrieval system is essential to support the equity of care and overcome the tyranny of distance. While critical care transport or retrieval systems have evolved over the years, there is no universally accepted system or standard, which has led to considerable variation in practices. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to identify and explore the current clinical, operational, and educational practices of government and charity-funded critical care transport and retrieval organizations operating across access- and weather- challenged geography. METHODS: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach comprising a rapid review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with identified subject matter experts (SME). RESULTS: A total of 44 articles and 14 interviews with SMEs from six different countries, 12 different services/systems, and seven operational roles, including clinicians (physician, paramedic, and nurse), educator, quality improvement, clinical governance, clinical informatics and research, operations manager, and medical director were included in the narrative analysis. The study identified several themes including deployment, crew composition, selection and education, clinical governance, quality assurance and quality improvement and research. CONCLUSION: This mixed-methods study underscores the paucity of literature describing current clinical, operational, and educational practices of government or charity-funded CCT or retrieval programs operating across access- and weather- challenged geography. While many common themes were identified including clearly defined mission profiles, use of dedicated or specialized transport teams, central coordination, rigorous selection processes, service-sponsored graduate education, and strong clinical governance, there is little consensus and considerable variation in current practices. Further research is needed to identify and harmonize best practices within the CCT and retrieval environments.

Current state of technical transfusion medicine practice for out-of-hospital blood transfusion in Canada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Canadian out-of-hospital blood transfusion programmes (OHBTPs) are emerging, to improve outcomes of trauma patients by providing pre-hospital transfusion from the scene of injury, given prolonged transport times. Literature is lacking to guide its implementation. Thus, we sought to gather technical transfusion medicine (TM)-specific practices across Canadian OHBTPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was sent to TM representatives of Canadian OHBTPs from November 2021 to March 2022. Data regarding transport, packaging, blood components and inventory management were included and reported descriptively. Only practices involving Blood on Board programme components for emergency use were included. RESULTS: OHBTPs focus on helicopter emergency medical service programmes, with some supplying fixed-wing aircraft and ground ambulances. All provide 1-3 coolers with 2 units of O RhD/Kell-negative red blood cells (RBCs) per cooler, with British Columbia trialling coolers with 2 units of pre-thawed group A plasma. Inventory exchanges are scheduled and blood components are returned to TM inventory using visual inspection and internal temperature data logger readings. Coolers are validated to storage durations ranging from 72 to 124 h. All programmes audit to manage wastage, though there is no consensus on appropriate benchmarks. All programmes have a process for documenting units issued, reconciliation after transfusion and for transfusion reaction reporting; however, training programmes vary. Common considerations included storage during extreme temperature environments, O-negative RBC stewardship, recipient notification, traceability, clinical practice guidelines co-reviewed by TM and a common audit framework. CONCLUSION: OHBTPs have many similarities throughout Canada, where harmonization may assist in further developing standards, leveraging best practice and national coordination.

Development of a national out-of-hospital transfusion protocol: a modified RAND Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Early resuscitation with blood components or products is emerging as best practice in selected patients with trauma and medical patients; as a result, out-of-hospital transfusion (OHT) programs are being developed based on limited and often conflicting evidence. This study aimed to provide guidance to Canadian critical care transport organizations on the development of OHT protocols. METHODS: The study period was July 2021 to June 2022. We used a modified RAND Delphi process to achieve consensus on statements created by the study team guiding various aspects of OHT in the context of critical care transport. Purposive sampling ensured representative distribution of participants in regard to geography and relevant clinical specialties. We conducted 2 written survey Delphi rounds, followed by a virtual panel discussion (round 3). Consensus was defined as a median score of at least 6 on a Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Definitely should not include") to 7 ("Definitely should include"). Statements that did not achieve consensus in the first 2 rounds were discussed and voted on during the panel discussion. RESULTS: Seventeen subject experts participated in the study, all of whom completed the 3 Delphi rounds. After the study process was completed, a total of 39 statements were agreed on, covering the following domains: general oversight and clinical governance, storage and transport of blood components and products, initiation of OHT, types of blood components and products, delivery and monitoring of OHT, indications for and use of hemostatic adjuncts, and resuscitation targets of OHT. INTERPRETATION: This expert consensus document provides guidance on OHT best practices. The consensus statements should support efficient and safe OHT in national and international critical care transport programs.

A descriptive analysis of the Canadian prehospital and transport transfusion (CAN-PATT) network.

Objective: Out-of-hospital blood transfusion (OHBT) is becoming increasingly common across the prehospital environment, yet there is significant variability in OHBT practices. The Canadian Prehospital and Transport Transfusion (CAN-PATT) network was established to collaborate, standardize, and evaluate the effectiveness of out-of-hospital blood transfusion (OHBT) across Canada. The objectives of this study are to describe the setting and organizational characteristics of CAN-PATT member organizations and to provide a cross-sectional examination of the current OHBT practices of CAN-PATT organizations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional examination of all six critical care transport organizations that are involved in CAN-PATT network. Surveys were sent to identified leads from each organization. The survey focused on three main areas of interest: 1) critical care transport organizational service and coverage, 2) provider, and crew configurations, and 3) OHBT transfusion practices. Results: All six surveys were completed and returned. There are a total of 30 critical care transport bases (19 rotor-wing, 20 fixed-wing and 6 land) across Canada and 11 bases have a blood-on-board program. Crew configurations very between organizations as either dual paramedic or paramedic/nurse teams. Median transport times range from 30 to 46 minutes for rotor-wing assets and 64 to 90 minutes for fixed-wing assets. Half of the CAN-PATT organizations started their out-of-hospital blood transfusion programs within the last three years. Most organizations carry at least two units of O-negative, K-negative red blood cells and some organizations also carry group A thawed plasma, fibrinogen concentrate and/or prothrombin complex concentrate. All organizations advocate for early administration of tranexamic acid for injured patients suspected of bleeding. All organizations return un-transfused blood components to their local transfusion medicine laboratory within a predefined timeframe to reduce wastage. Conclusions: Variations in OHBT practices were identified and we have suggested considerations for standardization of transfusion practices and patient care as it relates to OHBT. This standardization will also enable a robust means of data collection to study and optimize outcomes of patients receiving OHBT. A fulsome description of the participating organizations within CAN-PATT should enhance interpretation of future OHBT studies that will be conducted by this network.

Paradoxical worsening of bradycardia following atropine administration.

Introduction: Bradyarrhythmias are a common entity in both emergency and out-of-hospital (OOH) medicine. In unstable bradycardic patients, paramedics will often initiate life-saving therapies in the OOH setting. Clinical guidelines for bradyarrhythmias are largely consistent across the globe, with intravenous (IV) atropine recommended as a first-line therapy, escalating to IV adrenaline or isoprenaline and transcutaneous pacing where atropine is unsuccessful. In this case report, we describe a case in the OOH setting of ventricular standstill following the administration of atropine to a patient with bradycardia and 2:1 heart block. Case presentation: The patient was a 77-year-old female presenting with a symptomatic 2:1 heart block. Following a single dose of 600 micrograms IV atropine, the patient deteriorated into ventricular standstill with a loss of consciousness and decorticate posturing. The patient was successfully managed with an IV infusion of adrenaline and subsequently received an implanted pacemaker in hospital. Conclusion: The paradoxical worsening of this patient's bradycardia following atropine administration may have been related to the location of the heart block. It has been shown that patients with atrioventricular blocks at the level of the His-Purkinje fibres (infranodal) are at an increased risk of adverse events following atropine administration, while those at the nodal level or secondary to increased vagal tone are more likely to respond favourably. Paramedics should be prepared to manage unexpected adverse events secondary to atropine administration in patients with heart block.

A Service Evaluation of Prehospital Blood Transfusion by Critical Care Paramedics in British Columbia, Canada.

Early administration of blood products is emerging as best practice in selected trauma and medical patients. Blood products carried by critical care transport (CCT) teams are sometimes the first available to critically ill and injured patients. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the introduction of prehospital transfusion into a paramedic-led CCT program in Canada. A retrospective review of electronic patient care records for all patients who received a prehospital transfusion of uncrossmatched group O packed red blood cells between February 10, 2019, and September 30, 2020, was conducted. Forty-eight patients received a prehospital transfusion. The median age of the patients was 44 years, 81.3% were male, and most patients were victims of blunt trauma. Packed red blood cells were associated with a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (P < .001) and mean arterial pressure (P < .001), a decrease in shock index (P < .001), and a reduction in the time to first transfusion, with minimal waste, no patient-related adverse events, and complete traceability. The results of this service evaluation demonstrate the successful introduction of prehospital transfusion into a paramedic-led CCT program. Further prospective research is needed to assess the impact of such a protocol in this patient population.

Success and complications of endotracheal intubation in critical care settings under COVID-19 protocols.

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic has required new protocols for endotracheal intubation mandating cumbersome personal protective equipment and modifications to prior intubation procedures. We assessed the success and complications of endotracheal intubation under such protocols. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of endotracheal intubation in the emergency department, intensive care unit, or ward between September 11, 2018 and June 11, 2020 at two urban hospitals. Using a standardized form, we included basic demographics, intubation techniques, and success, and pre-specified complications, defined as critical (cardiac arrest or failure to intubate) or non-critical. At both sites, Covid-19 intubation protocols took effect on March 11, 2020, and we compared pre-post patients. The primary outcome was first-pass success without complications. Secondary outcomes included first-pass success and complications. We analysed by descriptive techniques. RESULTS: Overall, we collected 1534 patients before March 11, 2020 and 227 after; groups were similar in age and sex distribution. Staff endotracheal intubation increased from 37 to 63%. First pass success was 1262/1534 (82.3%) pre versus 195/227 (85.9%) post, for a difference of 3.6% (95% CI - 1.8-8.0%). First pass success without complications was 1116/1534 (72.8%) pre versus 168/227 (74.0%) post, for a difference of 1.3%, (95% CI - 5.2-7.0%). There were 226 complications pre (14.7%) versus 47 (20.7%) post, for a difference of 6.0%. (95% CI 0.6-12.1%). CONCLUSIONS: New pandemic endotracheal intubation protocols did not result in a decrease in first-pass success, or first-pass success without complications.

RéSUMé: INTRODUCTION: La Pandémie de Covid-19 a nécessité de nouveaux protocoles d'intubation endotrachéale exigeant un équipement de protection individuelle encombrant et des modifications aux procédures d'intubation antérieures. Nous avons évalué le succès et les complications de l'intubation endotrachéale dans le cadre de tels protocoles. MéTHODES: Nous avons mené une étude prospective de l'intubation endotrachéale dans le service des urgences, l'unité de soins intensifs ou dans un service de soins intensifs entre le 11 septembre 2018 et le 11 juin 2020 dans deux hôpitaux urbains. À l'aide d'un formulaire standardisé, nous avons inclus les données démographiques de base, les techniques et le succès d'intubation, ainsi que les complications pré-spécifiées, définies comme critiques (arrêt cardiaque ou échec d'intubation) ou non critiques. Sur les deux sites, les protocoles d'intubation Covid-19 sont entrés en vigueur le 11 mars 2020 et nous avons comparé les patients avant et après. Le principal résultat a été un premier passage réussi sans complications. Les résultats secondaires comprenaient le succès au premier passage et les complications. Nous avons analysé par des techniques descriptives. RéSULTATS: Dans l'ensemble, nous avons recueilli 1534 patients avant le 11 mars 2020 et 227 après; les groupes étaient similaires en termes de répartition par âge et par sexe. L'intubation endotrachéale par le personnel est passée de 37 % à 63 %. Le succès du premier passage était de 1262/1534 (82,3 %) avant contre 195/227 (85,9 %) après, soit une différence de 3,6 % (IC à 95 % ­1,8 à 8,0 %). Le succès du premier passage sans complications était de 1116/1534 (72,8 %) avant contre 168/227 (74,0 %) après, soit une différence de 1,3 %, (IC à 95 % -5,2 à 7,0 %). Il y avait 226 complications avant (14,7 %) contre 47 (20,7 %) après, pour une différence de 6,0 %. (IC à 95 % de 0,6 à 12,1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Les nouveaux protocoles d'intubation endotrachéale pandémique n'ont pas entraîné de diminution du succès du premier passage ou du succès du premier passage sans complications.

Safe transport of patients with acute coronary syndrome or cardiogenic shock by skilled air medical crews.

INTRODUCTION: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a spectrum of disease that includes unstable angina (UA), non?ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Cardiogenic shock is a severe complication of an ACS. Evidence suggests that emergent primary coronary intervention is the treatment of choice for patients with acute STEMI, and patients who have hemodynamic instability or suffer a major complication of therapy also require emergent intervention. These patients may require emergent interfacility transfer for this intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study examined ACS patient transfers to determine the incidence of adverse events (AEs) during transfer in a large transport medicine service. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for air medical transfer of ACS or cardiogenic shock patients in Ontario, Canada, from January 2005 to June 2007. Call records and patient care reports were screened for AE identifiers, including resuscitation medication and procedure and unstable cardiac rhythms. Each chart with an AE was independently reviewed by two investigators, with consensus in cases of disagreement, to determine the incidence and type of AE. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 2,258 transfers for which the patient had a primary diagnosis of ACS or cardiogenic shock. The mean age was 62 years (range 24-91 years), and 68% of the patients were male. Investigators identified one or more AEs that occurred during 127 (5.6%) patient transfers, with hypotension (n = 80), increasing chest pain (n = 52), and arrhythmia (n = 18) as the three most common AEs. There was one death in flight. Management of the AEs was within the scope of practice of transport personnel in all but one case. CONCLUSION: The incidence of AEs in air medical transport of ACS patients is low. Air medical crews can safely transport this potentially unstable patient population.

How often should peripheral intravenous catheters in ambulatory patients be flushed?

Ambulatory intravenous (IV) treatment is frequently prescribed to be administered every 24 hours. Institutional protocols commonly recommend flushing catheters every 8 hours. The authors sought to identify whether flushing more than once every 24 hours conferred any benefit. A retrospective review compared complication rates of different catheter flushing intervals for patients receiving IV therapy. This study investigated 111 courses of treatment for 63 patients. In 43% of the patients (48/111), complications were identified during the treatment period. Complications were less common with flushing every 24 hours (39/99, 39.4%) than with more frequent flushing (9/12, 75%) (P = .021). Indwelling peripheral IV catheters flushed once every 24 hours appear to have lower complication rates than those flushed 2 or 3 times a day.