What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed available medical literature to establish evidence-based strategies for safely transporting patients with decompression illness (DCI) by air to hyperbaric facilities.
What They Found
Out of 341 identified citations, 53 unique studies were reviewed, but only nine were relevant for developing a consensus statement. There were no clinical trials or prospective cohort studies; only two retrospective case series, involving nine patients, specifically examined altitude's effect during DCI transport. These showed no symptom recurrence when the cabin altitude stayed within 500 feet of ground level, while expert opinions recommended a maximum cabin altitude of 500-1000 feet.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing decompression illness who require air transport to a hyperbaric facility, this study suggests that minimizing total transport time is crucial. When air transport is necessary, the aircraft's cabin altitude should ideally not exceed 500 feet (152 meters) above the departure point to help prevent DCI symptoms from worsening.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted by Canadian authors and addresses decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation was the severe lack of high-quality clinical studies and evidence-based recommendations specifically on air medical transport for patients with decompression illness.