This Emergency Response May Be Saving More Lives Than Expected
Summary
A new analysis reveals that air ambulance pre-hospital care (HEMS) significantly enhances survival rates for trauma patients, potentially saving more lives than previously estimated. This study, published in Emergency Medicine, highlights the critical role of air ambulances in emergency care.
Key Insights
Why do more helicopter patients die initially compared to ground ambulance patients?
Raw data shows higher mortality for helicopter patients (12.6%) than ground patients (11%) because helicopter services transport more critically injured patients with higher injury severity scores, worse vital signs, and greater distances to hospitals. After statistical adjustments for these factors, helicopter transport is associated with significantly better survival rates.[1][3]
Sources:
[1]
What does the 'number needed to transport' mean for helicopter emergency services?
The number needed to transport (NNT) indicates how many patients must be flown by helicopter to save one additional life compared to ground transport. For Level I trauma centers, the NNT is 65 (16% survival advantage); for Level II centers, it is 69 (15% survival advantage).[1][3]
Sources:
[1]