Ready to launch: a cross-sectional study of field trauma triage and air-ambulance policies across Canada.

Purpose: This study aimed to understand current prehospital trauma air-ambulance policies and triage guidelines across Canada. The research question centered on understanding the guidelines used by provinces and territories and identifying potential regional variations in air-ambulance triage.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from November 2022 to May 2023, involving trauma leaders from Canada's 13 provinces and territories. Participants were identified via the Trauma Association of Canada and professional networks. The survey, developed with expert input and pilot tested for clarity, focused on prehospital trauma-triage guidelines, level of adoption of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) triage guidelines, and auto-launch air-ambulance policies. Data were collected using an 18-item electronic survey. Potential response bias was considered, and confidentiality was maintained. A cross-sectional qualitative analysis was used to evaluate the guidelines' adoption and variations, with responses compared across regions.

Results: The analysis revealed a nationwide adoption (11 of 11 respondents) of the CDC guidelines, indicating a standardized approach to patient transportation. Notably, many provinces and territories (5 of 11) endorse auto-launch protocols for air ambulances in specific scenarios. These policies offer advantages in geographically vast regions weighed against the cost of over-triage and inefficient resource allocation. Each province and territory tailors its approach based on factors such as geographic areas served, and available resources.

Conclusion: This study provides a snapshot of the current state of prehospital trauma-triage guidelines in Canada. With some differences in nomenclature, Canadian provinces and territories widely apply the CDC guidelines to serve their populations. There is some regional variation on how transport is initiated within their borders. The findings underscore the delicate balance required for optimizing air-ambulance policies, considering factors such as timely access, resource allocation, and the local application of guidelines.