Objective: Research on helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in major incidents is predominately based on case descriptions reported in a heterogeneous fashion. Uniform data reported with a consensus-based template could facilitate the collection, analysis, and exchange of experiences. This type of database presently exists for major incident reporting at www.majorincidentreporting.net. This study aimed to develop a HEMS-specific major incident template. Methods: This Delphi study included 17 prehospital critical care physicians with current or previous HEMS experience. All participants interacted through e-mail. We asked these experts to define data variables and rank which were most important to report during an immediate prehospital medical response to a major incident. Five rounds were conducted. Results: In the first round, the experts suggested 98 variables. After 5 rounds, 21 variables were determined by consensus. These variables were formatted in a template with 4 main categories: HEMS background information, the major incident characteristics relevant to HEMS, the HEMS response to the major incident, and the key lessons learned. Conclusion: Based on opinions from European experts, we established a consensus-based template for reporting on HEMS responses to major incidents. This template will facilitate uniformity in the collection, analysis, and exchange of experience.
SummaryWe present the case of a patient with the rare disorder tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. After induction of general anaesthesia, we faced difficulties passing the tracheal tube beyond the vocal cords despite bronchoscopic assistance. With a smaller tube, and by using rotating movements, we managed to successfully intubate the trachea. Because of the irregular tracheal surface, however, ventilation was challenging due to a massive cuff leak. Repeated repositioning did not improve this leak. Only cuff overinflation led to adequate ventilation, though we were cognisant of the increased risk of tracheal wall injury with this approach. After completion of the surgery, the patient's trachea was extubated without complication. This case showed that even with good preparation, intra‐operative problems can occur with abnormal subglottic airway anatomy. In some circumstances, these problems can only be solved by compromise. There are no professional consensus or guidelines that can be followed as guiding references for such a case, which can lead to indecisiveness.
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