Objective: To introduce the experience of aeromedical transport of critically burned patients in Northwest China and to explore the time and conditions of transport.
Methods: From August 1992 to July 2003, eight sorties of aeromedical transport of critically burned patients in Northwest China were analyzed.
Results: Eighteen critically burned patients were safely transported to destination. Their total burn surface areas (TBSA) were 49-95%, and their full-thickness burn surface areas were 41-92%. Escharotomies on the chest and extremities were performed in 6 patients and 28 extremities, respectively. All patients were accompanied by inhalation injury. Among them, tracheostomy was carried out in 12 patients with moderate and severe inhalation injury. Of 18 patients, 4 patients were transported with shock and 14 patients were transported after resuscitation.
Conclusion: It is safe to transport critically burned patients after resuscitation. Furthermore, it is also safe to perform aeromedical transport during shock with caution and good preparation.