Search and Rescue Missions Conducted by the French Army Between 2015 and 2019

Abstract

Introduction: The French Air and Space Force conducts search and rescue (SAR) missions across France. Given the large network of prehospital helicopter services, questions have been raised regarding their national-level efficiency. This study determined how many lives were saved through SAR missions at seven French bases over 5 years.

Methods: We analyzed completed mission reports from seven metropolitan bases between 2015 and 2019. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients considered to be in imminent danger when the SAR team arrived. Missing person missions were excluded if patients were not located (n=4). We created a composite criterion based on the patient's clinical state or their clinical classification in mobile emergency and resuscitation structures (CCMS). Secondary endpoints included response time and the most frequent mission triggers and medical procedures performed.

Results: Of 175 mission reports, 61 patients (34.9%) were considered to be in imminent danger, and imminent danger could not be determined for 21 (12%). Trauma, secondary transport, neurological distress, and cardiac distress combined accounted for 62% of all cases. The leading causes for mission deployment were traumatic pathologies (18.9%), secondary transfers (16%), and neurological distress (14.3%). The most common procedures were volume expansion (77 times), morphine administration (33), and oxygen therapy (30).

Conclusion: SAR missions primarily assist seriously ill or injured patients in isolated areas where traditional emergency services are limited. They are often deployed as a last resort. They regularly fill a capacity deficit where conventional rescuers cannot operate and contribute to improving the prognosis of rescued patients.

Keywords: air medical transport; emergency medical services; helicopters; military health service; prehospital care; search and rescue; winching operations.