2024 Volume 38 Issue 3 Pages 472-477
A 79-year-old woman sustained injuries after being hit by a car while walking. Upon arrival of emergency medical services, a deformity of her right thoracic region and respiratory failure were observed. Trauma bypass via medical helicopter was considered ; however, she was transported to our hospital, the closest emergency facility, by ambulance, despite it not being a trauma center. On arrival, the patient presented with severe shock due to a flail chest, abdominal wall injury, and an unstable pelvic fracture. Following initial resuscitation, which included bilateral thoracic drain placement, tracheal intubation, external pelvic wound fixation, and retroperitoneal packing, the patient was transferred to a trauma center by helicopter with ongoing respiratory and circulatory support. The patient opted for initial treatment at a hospital with superior personnel, workspace, and medical equipment over helicopter transport. Through cooperation with the medical team, her life was saved.
