Which Method of Transportation Is Associated With Better Outcomes for Patients With Firearm Injuries to the Head and Neck?

In firearm injuries (FI), rapid transportation is important for survival. Information regarding different methods of transportation for head and neck FI is limited. The purpose of the study was to measure the association between method of transportation and the need for tracheostomy and/or intensive care unit (ICU). This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed patients in Trauma Registry at Grady Memorial Hospital (GMH) in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 2016 to June 2021. Patients ≥18 years old who sustained FI to the head and neck and were transported via ground emergency medical services (GEMS) or helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) were included. Patients who arrived at the hospital by foot, private vehicle, or transported from a different hospital were excluded. The primary predictor variable was method of transportation (GEMS: ambulance transportation to GMH vs HEMS: helicopter transportation to GMH helipad). The primary outcome variables were tracheostomy (yes/no) and ICU admission (yes/no). Patient, injury, and hospital-related covariates were collected. Univariate analysis, χ2 test for categorical variables, and independent t test for continuous variables were calculated. Statistical significance was P