Development of a standard operating procedure and checklist for rapid sequence induction in the critically ill.

Introduction: Rapid sequence induction (RSI) of critically ill patients outside of theatres is associated with a higher risk of hypoxia, cardiovascular collapse and death. In the prehospital and military environments, there is an increasing awareness of the benefits of standardised practice and checklists.

Methods: We conducted a non-systematic review of literature pertaining to key components of RSI preparation and management.

Algorithm for the resuscitation of traumatic cardiac arrest patients in a physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service.

Survival rates following traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) are known to be poor but resuscitation is not universally futile. There are a number of potentially reversible causes to TCA and a well-defined group of survivors. There are distinct differences in the pathophysiology between medical cardiac arrests and TCA.

Are physicians required during winch rescue missions in an Australian helicopter emergency medical service?

Background: A helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) capable of winching offers several advantages over standard rescue operations. Little is known about the benefit of physician winching in addition to a highly trained paramedic.

Objective: To analyse the mission profiles and interventions performed during rescues involving the winching of a physician in the Greater Sydney Area HEMS (GSA-HEMS).