ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Rapid transport of critically ill patients to advanced medical centers is important in improving the survival rate and prognosis. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) is rapid and fairly accessible, but it is expensive, influenced by weather, and has complications at high altitude. This study was performed to build the basic data for helicopter transportation through an analysis of the patients transported by EMS helicopter in Gwangju and Jeonnam. METHODS: The subjects of this study are patients transported by EMS helicopter from January 2002 to June 2004 in Gwangju and Jeonnam. The analysis focused on the clinical characteristics, including time and purpose of flight, and cause, severity and outcome of the diseases. RESULTS: 1. The 262 cases successfully transported. 162 involved men, and 100 involved women. 2. The mean age was 49.0+/-19.9 years. 3. The regional distribution of the 262 cases was 38 cases in Gwangju and, 224 cases in Jeonnam. There were 164 cases (58.6%) in Sinan, 38 cases in Gwangju, 10 cases in Wando, 10 cases in Youngam, 9 cases in Yeosu and Yeochun, the great majority of which were in island area. 4. Traumatic patients (137 cases) were 52.3% of the total number of patient. The average Injury Severity Score of 115 traumatic patients (except for 6 cases of burn and 16 cases of acute poisoning) was 15.5 +/- 8.6. 5. Non-traumatic patients (125 cases) were 47.7% of the total number of patient. The average Simplified Acute Physiology Score II of 125 non traumatic patients and 6 cases of burn and 16 cases of acute poisoning was 24.4+/-18.2. CONCLUSION: Considerations of the region and the reason for help are needed when assessing the indications for helicopter transport apart from the severity of the diseases. Also, advances in medical control and in the operation of emergency information centers are needed to improve the assessment and treatment of patients from the prehospital, and to allow the transport to the proper institutions.