Aeromedical transport after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND No guidelines exist for the planning of aeromedical repatriation after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In 2004, we employed a risk evaluation-based decision-making system for repatriation of patients after AMI. The objective was to evaluate the safety of transports during 2005 managed by this system. METHODS A total of 116 patients were transported according to the algorithm, 64 unescorted and 52 escorted. The decision-making system was based on the recommendations given by the European Society of Cardiology. Whenever possible, patients were evaluated by coronary angiogram or exercise electrocardiogram. Patients at high risk were treated locally if appropriate facilities were available or evacuated to the nearest heart center. Patients at low risk were allowed to fly unescorted home if no other concomitant diseases needed the attention of a physician. The composite end point of death of any cause during transport or departure from the planned repatriation due to worsening of the condition was registered. RESULTS No patients reached the end point. Patients who were not risk evaluated more often needed escort (p < 0.04). Escorted patients were older (p < 0.001) and had more post-AMI complications (p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Patients can safely travel unescorted after AMI if their risk of ischemia is low as determined by risk stratification examination prior to repatriation.