Trauma and nontrauma cardiopulmonary arrest: A national survey

Introduction: This survey attempts to identify the current standard of care for the air medical transport of the patient in cardiopulmonary arrest. Method: An Association of Air Medical Services/National Flight Nurses Association-approved survey by a single mailing with an anonymous response. Setting: All rotor-craft programs with current memberships in AAMS. Results: Fifty-three of the 178 questionnaires mailed were returned. Program demographics, crew composition and transport volumes were typical of other reported national experiences. The majority of programs (84%) had standing operational protocols for trauma and non-trauma cardiopulmonary arrests. The indications for not initiating or discontinuing CPR, the transport of the patient in cardiopulmonary arrest, triage and financial considerations varied widely between air medical programs. Conclusions: This study provides some insight on the current air medical management of the patient in cardiopulmonary arrest. National practice guidelines should be developed and tested prospectively in future studies.