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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 4/2013

01-08-2013 | Commentary

Comparative effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services compared to ground emergency medical services

Author: Samuel M Galvagno Jr

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 4/2013

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Abstract

The use of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) for the transportation and treatment of trauma patients, while commonplace in most developed nations, remains controversial. The purported beneficial effects of HEMS compared to ground emergency medical services is likely to be some combination of speed, crew expertise, and the fact that HEMS is part of an organized trauma system. When the HEMS literature is assessed as a whole, considerable heterogeneity of effects and study methodologies preclude an accurate estimate of composite effect. However, when the outcome of mortality is studied using advanced multivariable regression techniques to control for multiple known confounders, an improved odds of survival has been repeatedly demonstrated. Future HEMS research must rely on robust observational study designs and assessments of a variety of patient outcomes. Questions about the role of speed, distance, and other potentially beneficial elements of HEMS remain.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Comparative effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services compared to ground emergency medical services
Author
Samuel M Galvagno Jr
Publication date
01-08-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 4/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc12779

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