Is advanced life support appropriate for victims of motor vehicle accidents: the South Carolina Highway Trauma Project

Abstract

There is continuing controversy over the use of Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the treatment of multisystem injury. In this study, performed to define the role of ALS in the management of motor vehicle accidents (MVA), 538 ambulance run reports (ARR) and hospital records of patients involved in MVA in South Carolina for 1983 were examined. Of these, 248 were reviewed in depth by a trauma review committee (TRC). Paramedics were present in 81% (93% urban, 80% rural) of cases. ALS crews averaged 24.8 minutes on the scene compared to 18.1 minutes for Basic Life Support (BLS). It took 6 minutes longer to transport rural patients than urban patients (15.7 vs. 9.6 min). Total EMS time (response, on scene, transport) was 46 +/- 20 minutes. Extrication increased on-scene time from 20.5 to 31.1 minutes. Endotracheal intubation attempts were 67% successful and IV's were placed in 88% of attempts. Thirty-two per cent of ALS patients demonstrated an increased blood pressure en route compared to 12% of BLS patients. The TRC felt prehospital care was beneficial in 85% of cases, while 11.7% had inappropriate or inadequate care. Resuscitation and ALS in MVA appears to be beneficial in the treatment of multisystem trauma in a rural state.