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Table 2 Summary table comparing RT performed for blunt and penetrating trauma

From: A 6-year case series of resuscitative thoracotomies performed by a helicopter emergency medical service in a mixed urban and rural area with a comparison of blunt versus penetrating trauma

 

RT for blunt trauma

RT for penetrating trauma

 

Number performed

26

18

 

Male:female

22:4

15:3

p = 0.91

Mean age ± standard deviation (years)

42.3 ± 15.9

35.9 ± 16.3

p = 0.20

Mean time from 999 to HEMS arrival ± standard deviation (minute)

32.0 ± 11.8

26.9 ± 7.4

p = 0.11

Cardiac output present on arrival of first emergency responder

   

 Yes

18

8

 

 No

7

10

 

 Not documented

1

0

p = 0.07

Cardiac output present on arrival of HEMS team

   

 Yes

12

2

 

 No

14

16

*p = 0.01

Reason for thoracotomy

   

 To exclude tamponade or arrest lung hemorrhage

8

17

 

 Aortic control

10

1

 

 To exclude tamponade and for aortic control

8

0

*p < 0.01

Location of where thoracotomy performed

   

 Ambulance

1

0

 

 Helicopter

2

0

 

 Helipad

2

0

 

 Emergency department (at request of team)

1

0

 

 At scene

20

18

p = 0.31

Cardiac tamponade present

4/26

7/18

p = 0.08

Cardiac movement seen at thoracotomy

15/23 (3 not documented)

8/18

p = 0.18

ROSC achieved following thoracotomy

9/26

2/18

p = 0.08

Patient outcome from scene

   

 Aircraft carry to hospital

5

1

 

  Nearest TU

1

1

 

  MTC

4

0

 

 Ground escort to hospital

5

6

 

  Nearest TU

4

5

 

  MTC

1

1

 

 PLE at scene

16

11

p = 0.45

  1. ROSC return of spontaneous circulation, TU trauma unit, MTC major trauma centre, PLE pronounced life extinct
  2. *Statistically significant