Which Method of Transportation Is Associated With Better Outcomes for Patients With Firearm Injuries to the Head and Neck?

BACKGROUND: In firearm injuries (FI), rapid transportation is important for survival. Information regarding different methods of transportation for head and neck FI is limited.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to measure the association between method of transportation and the need for tracheostomy and/or intensive care unit (ICU).

STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed patients in Trauma Registry at Grady Memorial Hospital (GMH) in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 2016 to June 2021. Patients ≥18 years old who sustained FI to the head and neck and were transported via ground emergency medical services (GEMS) or helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) were included. Patients who arrived at the hospital by foot, private vehicle, or transported from a different hospital were excluded.

PREDICTOR/EXPOSURE/INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable was method of transportation (GEMS: ambulance transportation to GMH vs HEMS: helicopter transportation to GMH helipad).

MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variables were tracheostomy (yes/no) and ICU admission (yes/no).

COVARIATES: Patient, injury, and hospital-related covariates were collected.

ANALYSES: Univariate analysis, χ2 test for categorical variables, and independent t test for continuous variables were calculated. Statistical significance was P < .05.

RESULTS: Of total, 609 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 560 patients (483 males) with a mean age of 33.6 years old (range, 18 to 90) transported by GEMS. There were 49 patients (40 males) with a mean age of 44 years old (range, 18 to 82) transported by HEMS. Patients transported by HEMS were statistically more likely to have longer transportation time in minutes [13.2 (range, 5 to 132) versus 24.2 (range, 9 to 46), P= <.001], lower Glasgow Coma Scale score [9.9 (range, 3 to 15) versus 6.3 (range, 3 to 15); P= <.001], higher Injury Severity Score [19.3 (range, 3.7 to 98) versus 24.2 (range, 10.3 to 98); P = .007], require transfusion [195 (34.8%); versus 26 (53.1%); P = .013], tracheostomy [46(8.2%) versus 13 (26.5%); P = <.001], and/or admitted to ICU [169, 30.2% versus 24 (49%); P = .007].

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: HEMS was positively associated with more tracheostomy and/or ICU admission. Additionally, patients transported by HEMS experienced longer transportation time and severe injuries. HEMS triage criteria specific for FI to the head and neck should be developed.