RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Airport emergencies are rare but potentially catastrophic; therefore, system preparedness is crucial. Airport emergency plans include the organization of emergency drills on a regular basis, including full-scale exercises, to train and test the entire rescue organization. OBJECTIVE: This report describes a full-scale simulation at Bologna International Airport, Italy, in October 2022, involving local EMS resources. METHODS: A full-scale aeroplane crash was simulated on the airport ground, activating the Airport emergency plan, and requiring the intervention of supplementary resources (ambulances, medical cars, and other emergency vehicles). RESULTS: Twenty-seven simulated patients were evaluated by EMS: START triage assessment was correct for 81.48% of patients; 11.11% were over-triaged and 7.41% were under-triaged. All patients were transported to the hospitals of the area. The simulation ended 2 hours and 28 minutes after the initial alarm. CONCLUSION: The response time proved a good response. Triage accuracy was correct in more than 80% of simulated patients. The availability of a trauma centre within 6 kilometres allowed the transportation of a quota of patients directly from the event, without affecting transportation times. Areas for improvement were identified in the communication within the different agencies and in moving ambulances within the airport runway without airport personnel guidance.
Assuntos
Planejamento em Desastres , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Incidentes com Feridos em Massa , Humanos , Emergências , Aeroportos , Triagem , Itália , AeronavesRESUMO
PURPOSE: Provision of healthcare support at mass gathering sporting events is of paramount importance for the success of the event. Many of such events, like motorsports, have been increasingly taking place in remote and austere environments. In these settings, the use of first-line diagnostic tools, such as point of care ultrasound and portable X-ray, could aid in definitive care on the field for patients with minor trauma while also ensuring fast access to the appropriate level of care for patients requiring hospitalization. METHODS: As part of the ISDE 2021 medical response plan, a field hospital equipped with portable digital X-ray and telemedicine was established. Data on patient admission, triage, treatments, diagnostics, and outcomes were collected for analysis. RESULTS: During the 6-day competition, 79 patients sought medical care at the field hospital, with traumatic injuries accounting for 77% of cases. Of these, 47 were athletes and 32 were non-athletes. The majority (91%) arrived spontaneously, while 9% were transported directly. Upon admission, 68 patients were triaged as non-urgent (code 3) and 11 as urgent (code 2). Of those admitted, 69 received treatment and were discharged at the field hospital, while 10 were transferred elsewhere. Notably, four patients had major trauma, two had isolated fractures, and one needed a CT scan after losing consciousness. Overall, 29 missions were conducted on the race field, including 13 primary transports to local hospitals and 6 to the field hospital. Primary transport was primarily due to major trauma. Among 31 patients who had radiological exams, 11 (35.5%) had traumatic injuries. Of these, 5 were treated with braces and casts and discharged without hospitalization, 3 were advised for post-event care, and 3 were hospitalized. In contrast, patients with negative X-rays received on-site treatment, with 7 able to continue competing. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the successful implementation of portable X-ray machines and teleradiology at remote and austere high-risk sporting events holds great promise for enhancing on-site medical capabilities, allowing clinicians informed decisions, avoiding unnecessary hospitalization, and allowing athletes to continue with their competition. Provided that challenges related to cost, safety, connectivity, and power supply are effectively addressed.
