Air rescue missions at night: Data analysis of primary and secondary missions by the DRF air rescue service in 2014

• Published in: Der Unfallchirurg Vol. 118; no. 6; pp. 549 - 563
• Main Authors: Aschenbrenner, U, Neppl, S, Ahollinger, F, Schweigkofler, U, Weigt, J O, Frank, M, Zimmermann, M, Braun, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Air Ambulances - utilization; Critical Care - utilization; Germany - epidemiology; Rescue Work - utilization; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1433-044X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00113-015-0016-9

The advantages that are inherent to the air ambulance service are shown in a reduction in mortality of critically ill or injured patients. The air ambulance service ensures quick and efficient medical care to a patient as well as the immediate transport of patients to a suitable hospital. In addition, primary air rescue has proved to be effective as a support for the standard ground-based ambulance services in some regions of Germany during the night. Under certain conditions, such as the strict adherence to established, practiced and coordinated procedures, air rescue at night does not have a significantly higher risk compared to operations in daytime. Particular requirements should be imposed for air rescue operations at night: a strict indication system for alerting, 4-man helicopter crews solely during the night as well as pilots (and copilots) with the correct qualifications and experience in dealing with night vision devices on a regular basis. Moreover, the helicopters need to be suitable and approved for night flying including cabin upgrades and the appropriate medical technology equipment. To increase the benefits of air rescue for specific diseases and injuries, a nationwide review of the processes is needed to further develop the primary air rescue service.