Protocol for Transfusion of Packed Red Blood Cells in the Brazilian Air Medical Service.

OBJECTIVE

Helicopter emergency medical services are part of many emergency health care systems, ensuring specialized treatment on site. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a protocol for the use of packed red blood cells in advanced support helicopter air medical care in Brazil.

METHODS

This was a methodological validation study with a quantitative approach developed in 2 stages (ie, protocol development and content validity using the Delphi technique) by 24 judges. For data analysis, the content validity index and Kappa agreement analysis were used.

RESULTS

The protocol consists of 28 verification items distributed in the following 6 topics: 1) request and transport, 2) packaging, 3) use in air medical service, 4) transfer of the blood transfusion patient, 5) recording, and 6) unused red blood cell concentrate. A kappa value of 0.91 and an overall content validity index of 0.95 and greater than 0.8 on all individual items were obtained.

CONCLUSION

The protocol proved to be valid regarding the content for the use of packed red blood cells in air medical service. It is an essential resource to guide professionals in assisting patients with class III and IV hemorrhage requiring transfusion in air medical service.