Table 1 Literature of advanced airway management in hoist or longline rescue missions

Lavon O [7]

Case study

Hoist rescue missions with mechanical ventilation of the patient using the Oxylator EM-100®

intubated prehospital trauma patients (ISS > 15), n = 5

Automated flow-limited mechanical ventilation is efficient for ventilating adult patients with protected airway during the short periods of hoist rescue and facilitates a smooth rescue operation.

Burns BJ [8]

Case study

One intubated prehospital trauma patient underwent resuscitation bag ventilation during a stretcher hoist. Manikin model of bag ventilation during a stretcher hoist in downwash of an AW 139 helicopter, with two resuscitation bags with differing compliances.

intubated prehospital trauma patient, n = 1 manikin model, n = 2

50 ft under the rotor disc, the resuscitation bag failed due to compression by the downwash.

The stiffer, less compliant resuscitation bag did not fail in the manikin model.

Murphy D [9]

Randomized crossover trial

Adults suspended in single sling, double sling, supine in a rescue stretcher, and in a rescue basket. Primary variables measured were FEV 1, FVC, FEV 1/FVC ratio, and IC in each modality versus control. Secondary measurements: peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

healthy adults, spontaneous breathing, n = 27

The rescue basket was not associated with any change in measured outcomes.

The stretcher was associated with small decreases in expiratory volumes, but an increase in IC.

Single sling had detrimental effects on respiratory function (not applicable after advanced airway management).