Analysis of Adult Trauma Patients Carried by Helicopter Ambulance According to GAP Score Helikopter Ambulansıyla Taşınan Yetişkin Travma Hastalarının GAP Skoruna Göre Analizi

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Arı E., Usul E.

Anatolian Journal of General Medical Research, cilt.35, sa.2, ss.122-129, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)

Özet

Objective: The aim of the scoring systems used in prehospital triage of trauma patients is to determine the patients with treatment priority. The Glasgow Coma scale/age/systolic blood pressure (GAP) score is a physiological scoring system used for this purpose. In this study, the usability of the GAP score in determining the patients with treatment priority in trauma patients transported by helicopter ambulance was examined. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively with 151 trauma patients transported from the scene by helicopter ambulance between 01.10.2021-01.10.2023. The patients’ age, gender, type of trauma and injury, blood pressure, Glasgow Coma scale, injury site, and time of death of dead patients were recorded. The patients’ GAP scores were calculated and their severity was examined. The usability of the GAP score in helicopter ambulance assignments was evaluated. Results: One hundred and fifty one patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.8. 68.9% of the patients were male. 5.2% (n=8) of the patients died within 30 days. It was determined that the GAP score was determinative in mortality prediction with 98% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity when the cut-off value was 2 and below (p<0.001). Conclusion: The GAP score, based on physiological parameters and quickly calculable, can be utilized in helicopter ambulance services. By using the GAP score, unnecessary helicopter ambulance transfers can be prevented. Additionally, it can minimize time lost in identifying severely injured trauma patients, thereby preventing treatment delays.