J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2021 Dec;32(6):657-664.

The characteristics of the transported patients from the scene by helicopter emergency medical services in Korea: a single center study

• Lee JK
• Kim HI

Abstract

Objective
The helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) is operated in Korea for seriously ill patients or time-sensitive conditions such as major trauma, acute coronary syndrome, and acute stroke. The patients are transported directly from the scene of the incident or from other hospitals. However, little is known about the characteristics of these patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center study. The study period was from 2016 to 2020. The helicopter was available during the daytime. We compared the flight distances, flight duration, and admission rate between those transferred from the scene of the incident and those transferred from the hospitals. We investigated the discharge or transfer rate from the emergency department and the precise reasons for the same.
Results
Of a total of 1,345 patients, 70 (5.2%) were transported directly from the scene of the incident. Of these, 23 (32.9% of patients from the scene) were transported from islands. The most frequent request calls were made by emergency medical services. Of the patients, 27.1% of those from the scene were discharged from the emergency department or transferred to another hospital. The discharge or transfer rate was higher in the scene-transported group (27.1% vs. 8.2%, P<0.001).
Conclusion
The discharge or transfer rate of patients transported from the scene was high. In some cases, unexpected negative effects may occur during the use of the HEMS and hence the crew must weigh the risk vs. benefit of helicopter transportation.

Keyword

Air ambulance; Emergency helicopter; Emergency medical services