Helicopter transport in patients with ARDS.

DOI: 10.36210/BerMedJ/epub02102021

Abstract

Intensive transportation by helicopter takes place in the indifference zone from 1000 ft to 4000 ft (300 m to 1220 m). While the air pressure (_PBARO) is 760 mmHg at sea level, it decreases with increasing altitude. The alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (_PAO2) changes most significantly. We investigated the changes in_PAO2 and_PaO2 in 10 patients with ARDS during helicopter intensive care transports. Furthermore, the parameters_CaO2, _QS/QT and the oxygenation index were calculated. At an altitude of 2000 ft, the arterial_PaO2 decreased by 15 mmHg despite a calculated increase in_PAO2 of 33 mmHg. This is due to perfusion changes in poorly ventilated lung areas during the transport phase, which are characterized by an increase in the intrapulmonary shunt (_QS/QT). Helicopter transportation of ARDS patients remains an individual decision. The basis for this is the determination of_PaO2 and the oxygenation index.