Lives Saved by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services: An Overview of Literature

Abstract Introduction The objective of this review is to give an overview of literature on the survival benefits of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). The included studies were assessed by study design and statistical methodology. Methods A literature search was performed in the National...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Air medical journal 2009-11, Vol.28 (6), p.298-302
Main Authors: Ringburg, Akkie N., MD, PhD, Thomas, Stephen H., MD, MPH, Steyerberg, Ewout W., PhD, van Lieshout, Esther M.M., PhD, Patka, Peter, MD, PhD, Schipper, Inger B., MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Ambulances
Emergency
Emergency Medical Services - standards
Health administration
Humans
Internal Medicine
Survival
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction The objective of this review is to give an overview of literature on the survival benefits of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). The included studies were assessed by study design and statistical methodology. Methods A literature search was performed in the National Library of Medicine's Medline database, extending from 1985 until April 2007. Manuscripts had to be written in English and describe effects of HEMS on survival expressed in number of lives saved. Moreover, analysis had to be performed using adequate adjustment for differences in case-mix. Results Sixteen publications met the inclusion criteria. All indicated that HEMS assistance contributed to increased survival: Between 1.1 and 12.1 additional survivors were recorded for every 100 HEMS uses. A combination of four reliable studies shows overall mortality reduction of 2.7 additional lives saved per 100 HEMS deployments. Conclusion Literature shows a clear positive effect on survival associated with HEMS assistance. Efforts should be made to promote consistent methodology, including uniform outcome parameters, in order to provide sufficient scientific evidence to conclude the ongoing debate about the beneficial effects of HEMS.
ISSN:1067-991X
1532-6497
DOI:10.1016/j.amj.2009.03.007