The Operational Impact of a Tertiary Hospital Heliport in Lisbon: A One‑Year Operational Review.
Air Medical Journal · 2026-01-01 · Registry study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) are a key component of modern emergency and critical care systems, improving access to time‑sensitive interventions for critically ill patients. In Portugal, the certification and reopening of the Santa Maria Hospital Heliport (SMHH) in March 2025 established a continuously 24/7 hospital heliport in Lisbon. OBJECTIVES: To describe the first year of operation of the SMHH and evaluate its role in national aeromedical connectivity and patient redistribution within a metropolitan hospital network. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted including all helicopter movements recorded at the SMHH between March 2025 and March 2026, using the institutional operational registry. Variables included number of landings, temporal distribution, mission type and final destination. RESULTS: During the first year of operation, a total of 235 landings were recorded. Primary HEMS mission accounted for approximately 60% of all operations, followed by secondary inter-hospital transfers (35%) and specialized ECMO and organ missions (5%). Less than 10% of helicopter missions to the Lisbon metropolitan area required diversion to alternative certified heliports. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a certified 24/7 hospital heliport established an effective aeromedical hub for the Lisbon metropolitan area, faciliting direct helicopter acces and coordinated distribution of patients to the most appropriate referral hospitals, while potentially reducing the need for secondary ground transfers. Further studies are required to quantify its impact on transfer times and patient outcomes.
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Tags
Helicopter & air ambulance · ECMO & mechanical circulatory support · Interfacility & critical care transport · Time intervals
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