| Popis: |
A one year experience with the North Carolina MAST Program is presented. The system found ready acceptance from physicians and its use was almost always appropriate. Although mortality was apparently not affected by using a helicopter, overall morbidity was reduced in 38% of cases evacuated, most often in conjunction with cardiac problems and primarily because of the shortened patient transfer time. Surprisingly, in-flight care was of secondary importance. Improved medic training, better monitoring equipment, faster response time, better preparation of the patient prior to evacuation and referral of patients to closer hospitals are cited as factors that might lead to improved patient care. |
