What type of aircraft should be used for transporting a patient with arterial gas embolism?

When transporting a patient with arterial gas embolism, it is crucial to minimize further risk of complications related to changes in atmospheric pressure. Arterial gas embolism occurs when bubbles of gas enter the arterial circulation, which can happen during activities where there are significant pressure changes, such as deep-sea diving or rapid ascent in unpressurized environments.

Using a pressurized aircraft helps maintain a stable atmospheric pressure, avoiding any drastic changes that could exacerbate the condition by allowing existing gas bubbles to expand in the patient's bloodstream. This stability is essential for preventing further embolization and ensuring the patient remains as stable as possible during transit.

Other types of aircraft, such as open cockpit aircraft and unpressurized helicopters, could expose the patient to rapid changes in pressure, increasing the risk of worsening the gas embolism. Therefore, a pressurized (fixed-wing) aircraft is the safest option for transporting these patients.