Short-term Outcomes of US Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) Patients Evacuated from a Combat Setting

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to describe the short-term outcomes (during air transport) of patients managed by the United States Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT). Methods. This is a retrospective chart review of patients who were transported by CCATT between March 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. A standardized abstraction form was used. Patients were classified as medical or trauma. Care given inflight was documented, including mechanical ventilation, vasoactive medication administration, and administration of blood products. Short-term events (during air transport) included death, oxyhemoglobin desaturation, hypotension, decline in neurological status, development of anuria or oliguria, and dislodgement of endotracheal and chest tubes. Results. A total of 656 patient moves met inclusion criteria, of which 425 (64.8%) were trauma and 231 (35.2%) were medical. Mechanical ventilation was required by 318 (49%), 68 (10%) received vasoactive medications, and 43 (7%) required blood products during the flight. There were a total of 75 events documented on 65 patient transports (10%). Of these, 19 were oxyhemoglobin desaturation, 29 were hypotension, 3 were decline in neurological status, and 23 were due to anuria or oliguria. We did not encounter any deaths or loss of airway or chest tubes during transport. Conclusion. CCATTs are a successful platform in transporting critically injured/ill patients with minimal short-term complications. Key Words: Critical Care Air Transport; emergency medical services; prehospital; resuscitation; tactical combat casualty care