Affiliation:
1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust Swindon, UK
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A retrospective review of all patients transferred by helicopter ambulance to the Great Western Hospital over a 20-month period between January 2003 and September 2004 was undertaken to establish the case-mix of patients (trauma and non-trauma) transferred and the outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Details of all Helicopter Emergency Ambulance Service (HEAS) transfers to this unit in the study time period were obtained from the three HEAS providers in the area and case notes were reviewed. RESULTS There were 156 trauma patients transferred (total 193) in the study period with 111 cases identified for analysis with a mean age of 33 years (range, 1–92 years). Average Injury Severity Score on admission was 12 (range, 1–36). Forty-five patients were discharged home from the emergency department, 24 cases had operation, 10 patients required ICU care and 2 were pronounced dead in the emergency department. Average hospital stay following HEAS transfer was 2.97 days (range, 0–18 days). DISCUSSION Helicopter ambulance transfer in the acute setting is of debated value. Triage criteria are at fault if as many as 41% of patients transferred are being discharged home from casualty having incurred the financial cost of helicopter transfer. We suggest that the triage criteria for helicopter emergency transfer should be reviewed.
Publisher
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Reference21 articles.
1. Nicholl J, Turner J, Stevens K, O'Keefe C, Cross LGoodacre S, et al. A review of the costs and benefits of Helicopter Emergency Ambulance Services in England and Wales 2003; London: DH: 1–73A report to the Department of Health.
2. Effectiveness of Helicopter versus Ground Ambulance Services for Interfacility Transport
3. A comparison of the costs and performance of an emergency helicopter and land ambulances in a rural area
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