摘要: |
Although the EMS teams that are summoned to motor vehicle crashes along the I-81 are trained volunteers with experience in dealing with motor vehicle crashes, they are not doctors or nurses, and there are times when additional expertise is needed to prevent disability or death. Multiple research studies have shown that the single most important factor affecting disability and death rates from crashes is the length of time between injury and access to critical care. The medical personnel staffing the Pegasus emergency evacuation helicopter have extensive experience in treating critically injured crash victims and are formally trained medical professionals with additional certifications in critical care. They can provide advice to local rescue squads while in transit to pick up the crash victim. To do this, they need as much information about the crash and its resulting injuries as possible. High resolution, mobile video transmissions would allow the Pegasus staff direct audio and visual access to the crash scene, the patient, and the care being provided, without requiring a detailed verbal description from EMS personnel. This effectively would allow critical care capabilities to reach crash victims sooner than is now possible, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality of the crash victim. This feasibility study was designed to determine whether the technology exists to connect the helicopter with ground EMS personnel. |