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Table 4 Physiologic adverse events during interfacility transport of 190 patients

From: Adverse events during rotary-wing transport of mechanically ventilated patients: a retrospective cohort study

Major adverse events

 

   Death

0 (0)

   Cardiovascular collapse requiring advanced cardiac life support

0 (0)

   Seizure

0 (0)

   Pneumothorax

0 (0)

Minor adverse eventsa

 

   Respiratory compromise

 

New oxygen saturation <85%

7 (4)

Oxygen saturation decrease by >10%b

8 (4)

In-flight change in ventilator settingsc

4 (2)

   Cardiovascular compromise

 

New mean arterial pressure <60 mm Hg

5 (3)

New heart rate <60 beats per minute

4 (2)

New arrhythmia

3 (2)

New administration of medicine for compromise of vital signsd

17 (9)

   Administration of sedation/paralysis for vital sign change or ventilator dysynchrony

15 (8)

  1. Values are presented as number (percentage). aFor 180 patients with complete physiologic data during flight. bIf normoxemic, oxygen saturation of greater than 90% before flight. cVentilator interventions included switching to manual ventilation or beginning inhaled prostacyclin. dIncludes new administration of fluid bolus, beta blockers, or titration of vasopressors.