[Deployment and efficacy of ground versus helicopter emergency service for severely injured patients. Analysis of a nationwide Swiss trauma center].

S Günkel, M König, R Albrecht, M Brüesch, R Lefering, K Sprengel, C M L Werner, H-P Simmen, G A Wanner

Der Unfallchirurg · 2015-03-01 · Observational study

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Abstract

The influence of the transport mode, i.e. Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) versus ground-based Emergency Medical Service (EMS) on the mortality of multiple trauma patients is still controversially discussed in the literature. In this study a total of 333 multiple trauma patients treated over a 1-year period in a level I trauma center in Switzerland were analyzed. Using the newly established revised injury severity classification (RISC) score there was a tendency towards a better outcome for patients transported by HEMS (standardized mortality ratio 1.06 for HEMS versus 1.29 for EMS). Overall a short preclinical time and the presence of an emergency physician (EP) were associated with a better outcome.

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Tags

Helicopter & air ambulance · Interfacility & critical care transport · Mortality & survival · Prehospital physicians · Time intervals

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