An analysis of patients evacuated by a civilian physician-staffed helicopter          from a military base

Youichi Yanagawa; Hiroki Nagasawa; Ikuto Takuchi; Shunsuke Madokoro; Kei Jitsuiki; Hiromichi Ohsaka; Kouhei Ishikawa; Kazuhiko Omori

doi:10.2185/jrm.3012

Field report

An analysis of patients evacuated by a civilian physician-staffed helicopter from a military base

Youichi Yanagawa, Hiroki Nagasawa, Ikuto Takuchi, Shunsuke Madokoro, Kei Jitsuiki, Hiromichi Ohsaka, Kouhei Ishikawa, Kazuhiko Omori

Author information

Youichi Yanagawa
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Hiroki Nagasawa
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Ikuto Takuchi
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Shunsuke Madokoro
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Kei Jitsuiki
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Hiromichi Ohsaka
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Kouhei Ishikawa
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
Kazuhiko Omori
Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan

Keywords: doctor helicopter, military base, evacuation

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2019 Volume 14 Issue 2 Pages 231-235

DOI https://doi.org/10.2185/jrm.3012

Details

Abstract

Objective: We herein report our analysis of patients evacuated by a physician-staffed helicopter (doctor helicopter; DH) from a Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) base.

Methods: From March 2004 to November 2018, a medical chart review was retrospectively performed for all patients who were transported by a DH from the temporary heliport at the JSDF Fuji base. The subjects were divided into two groups: the Before-2013 group (n=6) and the After-2013 group (n=7).

Results: The rate of military-patient involvement and the heart rate of the After-2013 group were greater than those of the-Before 2013 group, and the percutaneous oxygen saturation in the After-2013 group was lower than the Before-2013 group. Furthermore, the Glasgow Coma Scale in the After-2013 group was significantly lower than in the Before-2013 group. The survival rate was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion: Patients transported by DHs in the After-2013 group tended to be in more severe conditions than those transported in the Before-2013 group. This might be due to the fact that over time, the fire department, or JSDF, began to appreciate the useful role played by the DH in life-saving management.

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