A case of early aeromedical evacuation of severe craniocerebral firearm explosion injury and literature review

VernacularTitle:重型颅脑火器爆炸伤早期空运医疗后送一例并文献复习
Author: Yujie MA ¹ ; Jin LI ; Yan ZHOU ; Jun WANG ; Lei WANG ; Jiakang ZHANG ; Falin LI
Author Information

1. 空军特色医学中心重症医学科，北京100142
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Craniocerebral trauma; Firearm wound; Aeromedical evacuation
From: Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2022;33(3):147-153
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective:To discuss the feasibility of early aeromedical evacuation (AE) for the wounded with severe craniocerebral firearm explosion injury.Methods:The whole procedure of an AE mission for a case of severe craniocerebral firearm explosion injury was reported, and relevant literatures were reviewed.Results:The forehead of a 20-year-old male patient was accidentally hit by grenade shrapnel in training and he was diagnosed as severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Emergency debridement and decompression were performed. The patient was transported to Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University by 1.5 h of AE flight 12 h after operation. CT scan showed ventricular dilation after decompression and multiple softening foci in brain parenchyma 4 months after the injury.Conclusions:Early-stage AE for sTBI patient is feasible with careful and thorough preflight assessment and professionalized ongoing intensive care.