À propos des urgences cardiovasculaires au cours des évacuations médicales héliportées réalisées par la Marine Nationale, au large des côtes du Finistère. Étude rétrospective de 2000 à 2007

Abstract

Background Search and rescue helicopters from the French navy conduct ambulance and search and rescue missions near the western coast of the French Britain. The team on board includes military doctor and paramedic. Operations in this area are challenging due to long distances and severe weather conditions. Methods We studied retrospectively 205 search and rescue missions from 2000 to 2007 with special emphasis on acute heart disease and operative conditions. Results 12.2% of the missions (25/205) concern acute heart disease dominated by myocardial infarction elevation myocardial infarction. All of the patients are male. Most of them are seafarers and the others come from ferries with a median age of 53.4 years. Sixty-two percent of the missions were carried in darkness. The median range is about 80 nautical miles. Two patients died during search and rescue missions. All patient are hospitalized. Conclusion Ambulance and search and rescue mission near the western coasting of the French Britain are a challenge. Using a heavy helicopter from French Navy was the best way to carry medical treatment to seafarers and passengers of ferries suffering from acute heart disease.