Treatment of pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury by Dutch Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

Abstract

BackgroundSparse data are available on prehospital care by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study focusses on prehospital interventions, neurosurgical interventions and mortality in this group.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric (0-18 years of age) patients with TBI treated by Rotterdam HEMS.ResultsFrom January 2012 to December 2017 415 pediatric (ConclusionsThe Dutch HEMS provides essential emergency care for pediatric TBI patients, by performing medical procedures outside of regular EMS protocol. Mortality was highest in patients with severe TBI (n = 111) (GCS≤8) and in those who required neurosurgical interventions. Despite a relatively good initial GCS (>8) score, there were patients who required prehospital intubation and HSS. This group will require further investigation to optimize care in the future.