Convulsion Treated by a Physician-Staffed Helicopter

Abstract

ObjectiveThere have been no reports focusing on patients with convulsion treated by a doctor helicopter (DH). We herein report the results of a retrospective analysis investigating the changes in patients’ vital signs and clinical manifestations during transportation and the outcomes of treating convulsive patients using a government-funded medical DH. MethodsWe retrospectively investigated all of the patients with convulsion who were transported by the DH between January 2013 and December 2018. ResultsA total of 118 cases were enrolled in the present study. The average age was 32 years old, and most were men. Fifty cases showed remaining convulsion when the staff of the DH made contact with the subject. All subjects obtained a survival outcome. Regarding anticonvulsants administered, diazepam was the most frequently used followed by midazolam. The frequency of convulsion after transportation was significantly lower than that before transportation. The Glasgow Coma Scale and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation after transportation to a hospital were higher than before transportation. The heart rate after transportation to a hospital was lower than before transportation. ConclusionThe present study indicated the usefulness of a physician-staffed helicopter for treating convulsive patients at the scene.