Risk of complications using a sedation protocol for aeromedical retrieval of acutely unwell mental health patients: a retrospective cohort study in Outback Australia.
Emergency medicine journal : EMJ July 16, 2025 Jack C Lewis, Angus Perks, Peter Brendt et al. 1 citation
A protocolised approach to sedation for aeromedical transfer of acutely unwell mental health patients, including the use of ketamine, was associated with fewer complications overall and fewer severe complications compared to off-protocol care. Among 85 transfers by the Royal Flying Doctor Service in New South Wales from 2011 to 2022, complications occurred in 25.6% of on-protocol cases versus 54.3% of off-protocol cases. Severe complications were 5.1% on-protocol compared to 37.0% off-protocol. Intubated patients and those receiving midazolam, all off-protocol, had the highest rates of severe complications. No on-protocol patient required intubation or experienced treatment failure.