When should air rescue be considered for cases of decompression sickness or carbon monoxide poisoning?

Air rescue should be considered for cases of decompression sickness or carbon monoxide poisoning when the transport time exceeds 20 minutes. This guideline is based on the critical importance of timely intervention in these medical emergencies.

Both decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Decompression sickness, often resulting from rapid ascent in divers, requires immediate hyperbaric oxygen treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Similarly, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to neurological damage and even death if the patient is not quickly removed from the source of exposure and provided with appropriate care.

When transport times exceed 20 minutes, the risk of severe patient deterioration increases, making air rescue a more viable option to facilitate faster access to definitive treatment. This is particularly crucial in cases where ground transport may encounter delays due to traffic or distance to the nearest appropriate medical facility equipped with hyperbaric chambers or specialized treatments for carbon monoxide exposure.

Thus, the guideline reflects a balanced approach to ensuring that patients receive the necessary care as quickly as possible, maximizing their chances for a full recovery.