Are accident flying squads also worthwhile for medical emergencies?

A retrospective analysis of 208 flying squad attendances was performed to assess the effect of pre-hospital care by the team on outcome in emergency medical conditions, and in the trauma victim. Sixty-two (26%) of these cases were medical, but only 24 (11.5%) required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only one out of the four successful resuscitations finally left hospital alive. In trauma, there was no significant enhancement of survival due to the presence of the team by comparing the expected against observed mortality and the injury severity score for age-matched groups. The value of flying squads as a training aid, perception of the local community and relationships with other emergency services are discussed. Alternative solutions to improving pre-hospital care include advanced trained ambulance and bystander resuscitation schemes. Although difficult to quantify the authors feel that flying squads are of benefit.