Fixed-wing air transport of patients with spinal pathologies: a scoping review of current evidence and future research priorities

Key Points

• The aim is to identify current evidence and gaps in fixed-wing transport for patients with spinal pathologies.
• Conducted a scoping review of literature on fixed-wing transport for spinal pathology patients.
• Analyzed existing evidence regarding physiological changes during altitude transport.
• Identified areas requiring further research for developing clinical protocols.
• Current evidence is limited in addressing the safe transport of spinal pathology patients.
• Physiological changes due to altitude can significantly impact patient safety.
• There is a strong need for comprehensive clinical protocols to guide fixed-wing transportation.