Time Intervals in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Air medical journal · 2025-12-19 · Meta-analysis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) play a crucial role in providing timely emergency care, leading to improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to analyze HEMS time intervals in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in various databases up to August 2025. Ten studies were included for quality assessment and meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Data analysis was performed using STATA 14 software. RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed that the mean response time, on-scene time, and transport time for HEMS in Iran were 19.55 minutes, 10.46 minutes, and 14.63 minutes, respectively. The overall mean HEMS time was reported as 50.59 minutes. Meta-regression analysis revealed a decreasing trend in response and on-scene times over the years, whereas transport time and overall HEMS time exhibited an increasing trend. CONCLUSION: HEMS in Iran demonstrate acceptable operational times, but improvements in triage, fleet enhancement, and the establishment of a national HEMS registry are needed to enhance efficiency and evidence-based decision-making.