Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation by helicopter emergency medical service, does it has added value compared to regular emergency medical service?

PURPOSE: To determine the outcome of out-of-hospital (OOH) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the advanced life support (ALS) procedures provided in pediatrics by the Rotterdam Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of all pediatric (0–17 years) OOH cardiopulmonary arrests within a 6-year period and attended by the Rotterdam HEMS team. RESULTS: There were 201 OOH CPRs from October 2008 until October 2014. Endotracheal intubation was performed in 164 cases and done by HEMS in 104 patients (63%), intraosseous/intravenous cannulation 43/27 times, and additional medication given by HEMS in 70 patients (35%). The overall survival rate for OOH CPR was 15%, but in trauma was low. Twenty-seven of the 29 pediatric patients who survived until discharge are neurological well. Although the Dutch nationwide ambulance protocol states intubation, intravenous, or intraosseal excess and medication, in many patients, only HEMS provided additional ALS care. CONCLUSION: The HEMS brings essential medical expertise in the field not provided by regular emergency medical service. HEMS provide a significant quantity of procedures, obviously needed by the OOH CPR of a pediatric patient.