The ability to perform closed chest compressions in helicopters

Critically ill patients are offen transported by air ambulances. Although these patients are likely to require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during transport, the effects of the air medical transport environment on CPR efficacy have never been studied. A manikin model was used to assess the ability of flight nurses to perform effective chest compressions while in flight and when stationery on the helipad. The results demonstrate that flight nurses were able to perform chest compressions as effectively in the in-flight setting as in the stationary setting. Chest compressions performed in the BK-117 helicopter were as effective as those performed in the control environment, but compressions performed in the BO-105 were significantly less effective than controls. In conclusion, in a manikin model, chest compressions are substandard in the BO-105 helicopter because of the limited space available in the aircraft.