Abstract
We found the IATS in our first experience of scoring 200 patients prior to transport to be superior to existing scoring systems in aeromedical transport/travel medicine for the following reasons: (1) The score can be used by all medical disciplines. (2) Patients can be scored rapidly, without the need of extensive laboratory or other diagnostic work up, so that the scoring can also be done in a rural Third World hospital. (3) Scoring can be performed in emergency call centers as well as by the transport team "at the scene." (4) Not only the severity of the patients illness or injury is ranked, but also other important factors for choosing the optimal transport setting (care level, transport ability level). (5) Aviation related risk factors for the patient (air leaks), as well as specific limitations for different modes of aeromedical transport are considered. The next and most necessary step will be the foundation of a multicenter research agenda to optimize and validate the score.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 154-157 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of Travel Medicine |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Jul 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
