Investigating Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Challenges in Transporting Pregnant Mothers: A Case Report.
Air medical journal · 2025-01-01 · Case report
Abstract
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) play a vital role in transporting time-sensitive patients, including pregnant women at risk of imminent childbirth, from remote locations to appropriate medical facilities. However, the potential for in-flight delivery presents unique challenges for emergency medical teams. We present a case report from Gonabad University of Medical Sciences documenting the only recorded instance of in-flight childbirth during a five-year period of HEMS operations. The case involved a 38-year-old multiparous woman (G6P5) transported from a remote village located 110 kilometers from the nearest appropriate medical facility. Despite activation time delays exceeding standard benchmarks, the medical team successfully managed the delivery in the confined space of a BK-117 helicopter. The mother maintained stable vital signs throughout transport, and both mother and infant were safely transferred to the receiving facility. The total mission duration was 62 minutes, with specific challenges noted in activation time and restricted cabin space for delivery management. This case highlights critical areas for HEMS protocol improvement, including the need for standardized dispatch criteria for obstetric emergencies, consideration of midwife inclusion in flight teams, and strategies to reduce activation times. The experience provides valuable insights for enhancing emergency medical services in similar scenarios.