@article{ref1,
title="Reduced mortality in injured adults transported by helicopter emergency medical services",
journal="Prehospital emergency care",
year="2011",
author="Sullivent, Ernest E. and Faul, Mark D. and Wald, Marlena M.",
volume="15",
number="3",
pages="295-302",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Some studies have shown improved outcomes with helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport, while others have not. Safety concerns and cost have prompted reevaluation of the widespread use of HEMS. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the mode of transport of trauma patients affects mortality. <br><br>METHODS: Data for 56,744 injured adults aged ≥ 18 years transported to 62 U.S. trauma centers by helicopter or ground ambulance were obtained from the National Sample Program of the 2007 National Trauma Data Bank. In-hospital mortality was calculated for different demographic and injury severity groups. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were produced by utilizing a logistic regression model measuring the association of mortality and type of transport, controlling for age, gender, and injury severity (Injury Severity Score [ISS] and Revised Trauma Score [RTS]). <br><br>RESULTS: The odds of death were 39% lower in those transported by HEMS compared with those transported by ground ambulance (AOR = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54-0.69). Among those aged ≥ 55 years, the odds of death were not significantly different (AOR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.74-1.13). Among all transports, male patients had a higher odds of death (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10-1.38) than female patients. The odds of death increased with each year of age (AOR = 1.040, 95% CI = 1.037-1.043) and each unit of ISS (AOR = 1.080, 95% CI = 1.075-1.084), and decreased with each unit of RTS (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.45-0.48). <br><br>CONCLUSION: The use of HEMS for the transport of adult trauma patients was associated with reduced mortality for patients aged 18-54 years. In this study, HEMS did not improve mortality in adults aged ≥ 55 years. Identification of additional variables in the selection of those patients who will benefit from HEMS transport is expected to enhance this reduction in mortality.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1090-3127",
doi="10.3109/10903127.2011.569849",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10903127.2011.569849"
}