Prehospital measurement and treatment of ionised hypocalcaemia by UK helicopter emergency medical services in trauma patients: a survey of current practice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the United Kingdom (UK), an increasing number of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) carry blood products for the resuscitation of patients with suspected haemorrhage. Ionised hypocalcaemia can occur due to calcium chelation from citrate-containing blood products or in response to traumatic injury. Therefore, many HEMS administer calcium alongside prehospital blood product transfusion. There are no national guidelines for prehospital calcium replacement. This study aimed to explore current UK HEMS protocols for calcium replacement associated with prehospital blood product transfusion and to report point-of-care testing (POCT) availability. The survey also sought to identify clinicians' opinions on the measurement, significance, and management of trauma-induce

SUBMITTER: Hibberd O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12004557 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature