[Non-invasive cardiac output measurement with USCOM in air rescue operation].

In cardiac emergency events (NACA score = 3.4), a non-invasive cardiac output test involving transaortalic blood flow velocity measurement was used in the air rescue of 30 patients. An average velocity integral (Vti) of 21.

Bedside blood gas analysis in airborne rescue operations.

The alveolar partial oxygen pressure (Pao(2)) recorded from 20 ventilated patients was found to decrease by 16 mm Hg during airborne rescue helicopter transport at an average altitude of 1780 feet mean sea level. The initial departure altitude was 192 feet, and the flight ascended to 2200 feet above ground level. Hence, the Pao(2) drop in patients was exclusively attributable to cruising altitude (atmospheric pressure = -42 mm Hg).

[Immediate reaction of the Urgent Medical Aid Unit--current aspects of organization and management].

The dispatcher centres of the Urgent Medical Aid Unit (UMAU) have to guarantee an instant reaction for medical assistance in catastrophes and other serious occurences within the scope of their appointed medical areas. Whereas aid for a group of damaged persons largely takes place according to the principles of individual treatment, in catastrophes medical care must be given according the criteria of disaster medicine until a balance in the initial disproportion between aid requirements and possibilities is reached. The necessary qualification for this is obtained by members of the UMAU through regular postgraduate training.