Helicopter emergency medical services for adults with major trauma

Abstract

Editorial group: Cochrane Injuries Group. Publication status and date: New search for studies and content updated (conclusions changed), published in Issue 12, 2015.

Improved Survival for Rural Trauma Patients Transported by Helicopter to a Verified Trauma Center: A Propensity Score Analysis

“…These factors prevented or reduced confounding effects. In addition, we used a PS analysis to balance the baseline covariates for eliminating or minimizing selection bias in treating HT or GT trauma patients and the use of the analysis method is a substantial strength of this work …”

“…Many investigators have conducted studies on the association of HT versus GT and trauma mortality. These studies have demonstrated both positive and negative findings . A recent formal systematic review, which included a risk of bias assessment for study methodology, showed that the overall quality of evidence in these studies was low .…”

“…These studies have demonstrated both positive and negative findings . A recent formal systematic review, which included a risk of bias assessment for study methodology, showed that the overall quality of evidence in these studies was low . Due to the complex nature of HT, only studies that have employed advanced statistical techniques to control for confounders have demonstrated a significant reduction in trauma mortality.…”

“…Due to the complex nature of HT, only studies that have employed advanced statistical techniques to control for confounders have demonstrated a significant reduction in trauma mortality. Propensity scoring methods have been recommended as a preferred advanced technique for balancing baseline covariates for effect estimates in future helicopter emergency medical services studies since the assignment of HT versus GT cannot be randomized …”

Saving lives, limbs and livelihoods: considerations in restructuring a national trauma service

“…5), use of helicopter transfer, or linkage with hospitals in NI. The utilization of helicopter emergency medicine services (HEMS) is controversial in terms of patient selection and cost-effectiveness [20][21][22][23][24]. To maximize benefit from an air ambulance service, clear communication between field and hospital personnel, helicopter ambulance crew capable of providing advanced resuscitation en route and a receiving hospital capable of rapidly responding to the incoming trauma are needed.…”