Medical College of Wisconsin
CTSIResearch InformaticsREDCap

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Utilization. Air Med J 2019;38(4):261-265

Date

06/30/2019

Pubmed ID

31248534

DOI

10.1016/j.amj.2019.03.004

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85064092375 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The decision to utilize HEMS is a complex process that involves many considerations. Professional associations and agencies have published guidelines to assist providers with decision making for the utilization of helicopter transport.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Determine if requests for HEMS align with recently published utilization guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed during a six-month period. Reviewers versed in Wisconsin HEMS Utilization, NAEMSP, and CAMTS guidelines determined if transport criteria were met. Charts were categorized according to whether or not criteria for each set of recommendations were followed.

RESULTS: 514 charts were reviewed; 439 consisted of completed patient transports. CAMTS, NAEMSP, and WI HEMS guidelines satisfied 85.4%, 83.4%, and 53.1% of requests, respectively. Statistically significant differences existed when comparing rates meeting criteria between WI HEMS and CAMTS and between WI HEMS and NAEMSP guidelines (p-value <0.0001). This was true in all subgroups except STEMI, which did not show significant difference. No difference existed between rates for CAMTS and NAEMSP guidelines in any group.

CONCLUSION: Significant difference between Wisconsin HEMS utilization versus NAEMSP guidelines, and between Wisconsin HEMS utilization and CAMTS guidelines in all subgroups except STEMI patients exist. No statistically significant difference existed between NAEMSP and CAMTS guidelines.

Author List

Lenz TJ, Kossyreva EA, Colella MR

Authors

Mario R. Colella DO, MPH Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy John Lenz MD Associate Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Air Ambulances
Female
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Selection
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Retrospective Studies
Transportation of Patients
Wisconsin
Young Adult