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case study
pre-hospital
treatment
air ambulance
injury
air ambulance
injury

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance: a focused case series for pre-hospital practice

02 September 2015
Features
02 September 2015
Volume 7 · Issue 9

Abstract

Due to the relative infrequency of major trauma in the paediatric population, along with the presence of family members during the resuscitation, management of trauma in this age group can be both emotive and highly challenging. Through comprehensive assessment, targeted resuscitation and considered triage to an appropriate paediatric trauma facility, pre-hospital care clinicians can help to improve outcomes in the paediatric trauma patient (Simpson et al, 2012; Nystrup et al, 2015).

This article aims to provide a structured, evidence-based approach to the assessment and management of the injured child in the pre-hospital setting. We report the case of a 10-year old female involved in a pedestrian versus van road traffic collision (RTC). The principles of systematic assessment and holistic management of the paediatric trauma patient are discussed. We also discuss where an extended care service such as a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service may be of assistance.

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is a publically funded charity that operates two doctor-paramedic pre-hospital care teams to provide support to land ambulance crews in two counties in the South East of England. The service is predominantly helicopter-based but operates a rapid response car outside daylight hours or in poor weather. The total population covered numbers approximately 1.8 million. The team responds to major trauma and medical emergencies, with the latter accounting for approximately 20% of all taskings. The paramedics who work for the service are all employed by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and are seconded to EHAAT for a period of 24 months. A comprehensive selection process is undertaken and an extensive training programme covering aviation practice and extended clinical management is in place for successful candidates. In addition, EHAAT paramedics have been among the first to enrol and undergo enhanced skill training in anaesthetics and intensive care medicine as part of a postgraduate certificate in advanced paramedic practice in critical care. We believe that one of the strengths of the service provided by EHAAT lies in our paramedics acting as role models and ambassadors for both our service and the ambulance service in general.

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Air ambulance
Clinical assessment
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services
Paediatric trauma