Description
In this presentation by Ash Vasireddy, a consultant orthopedic trauma surgeon and pre-hospital care consultant with air ambulance services, he outlines the crucial journey of trauma patients from the moment of injury to their intervention within a hospital. He begins with a common scenario—an accident involving a cyclist and a left-turning lorry—illustrating how bystanders initiate the emergency response by calling 999. Vasireddy emphasizes the role of ambulance call center operatives, who are not medically trained but follow algorithms, and the pivotal function of a paramedic who prioritizes which calls necessitate an air ambulance. He describes the process of getting advanced medical teams to the scene, the importance of rapid assessment and intervention, and the critical need for timely transport to trauma centers to prevent "golden hour" losses. The talk also covers the evolution of pre-hospital care, pivotal changes made since the 1980s to improve survival rates, and the types of medical interventions possible at the scene, showcasing the collaborative effort of various emergency services. An explanation of advanced procedures is provided, illustrating how experienced paramedics and doctors work together to manage serious trauma, including the use of innovative techniques like REBOA (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta) to stabilize patients pre-hospital. Concluding with insights on the importance of accurate assessment in trauma care, Dr. Vasireddy stresses the goal of delivering well-resuscitated patients to hospitals, allowing for smoother transitions to treatment.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-250985