Bensi, E.A.B. (Elena) (2021) Helicopter based search and rescue operations in the Dutch Caribbean: a retrospective analysis. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: The Dutch Caribbean area is subject to a variety of incidents requiring search and rescue (SAR). Such incidents may or may not be of medical nature and require an appropriate response, which includes acute medical care and efficient patient transportation. Helicopter-based SAR in this area has not been studied to date. This paper retrospectively analyses data from the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard with the aim to describe the current operational setting and identify any gaps in the process which may be altered to improve SAR in the future. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from the period of March 2018 to April 2021. Epidemiological data, patient demographics, flight technicalities, medical interventions, and outcomes were collected and analyzed for this period. Results: A total of 91 individuals were assisted through SAR of which 51 (56%) had no injuries and 40 (44%) had an injury. Most SAR accidents occurred during the high tourism seasons. Boating was the most common activity requiring SAR (25%), and injuries to the limbs were the most common medical problem (27%). The median time to reach the SAR scene was 00:46hrs (00:33 – 01:06) and the most frequent reason for delay was the absence of a winchman. Of 16 fatalities, most were attributed to drowning accidents. 18 persons were transported to a hospital, with a median travel time of 01:03hrs (00:47 – 01:19). Conclusion: The results of this study provide a unique perspective regarding SAR in the Dutch Caribbean. With this information important aspects of SAR may be improved in the future through the optimalization of protocols.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Nellensteijn, Dr. D.R. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Jan 2022 09:09 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Jan 2022 09:09 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2987 |
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