J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  1998 Dec;9(4):543-550.

The Analysis of Emergency Medical Transport by EMS Helicopter

• Song HG
• Kim BC
• Song KJ
• Jeong YK
• Shin BH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The fast EMS helicopter was introduced to Korea in 1996 and from Dec. 1. 1997, it was used far transporting emergent patients. Authors, here upon, report the transporting experiences.
METHODS
From Dec. 1, 1996 to Dec. 31,1997, Samsung Medical Centers EMS helicopter was used for air evacuation of critically ill patients. The patients data prospectively analyzed. RESULT: A total of 65 patients were transported. Male to female ratio was 1.95 : 1. The mean transport time was 64.1min(10-160 min). Majority of the evacuated patients was surgical patients (General Surgery'16, Orthopedic surgery : 10, Neurosurgery : 6, Infernal medicine 13, Pediatrics : 3, and others : 3). Twenty-one of the 65 patients transported were admitted to ICU and 31 did not require ICU care. During the air evacuation, one physician and one nurse trained for air evacuation amended The patients. No medical problems or deaths developed during the air evacuation period.
CONCLUSION
The first EMS helicopter was introduced to Korea in 1996. From Dec. 1, 1996 to Dec. 31, 1997, Samsung Medical Center's EMS helicopter was used for air evacuation of critically ill patients. The patients data reported.

MeSH Terms

Aircraft*
Critical Illness
Emergencies*
Female
Humans
Korea
Male
Neurosurgery
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Prospective Studies