Impact of discontinuing a hospital-based air ambulance service on trauma patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND
The clinical benefit of aeromedical transportation of injured patients in the civilian population has been debated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of discontinuing a hospital-based helicopter transport program on trauma patient outcomes, with the hypothesis that the loss of an air ambulance would result in increased transport time and increased mortality among severely injured patients.


METHODS
Data on injury severity and patient outcomes were collected prospectively for the 12 months immediately preceding and 24 months following discontinuation of the helicopter ambulance service. Transport time, mortality rate, and hospital length of stay was compared.


RESULTS
The number of trauma patient admissions decreased 12%, with a 17% decrease in admissions of severely injured patients. Transport time decreased, with no change in mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Discontinuation of a hospital-based air ambulance service did not increase transport time or increase mortality for trauma patients.
Chappell
Vicky L
VL
Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1172, USA.
Mileski
William J
WJ
Wolf
Steven E
SE
Gore
Dennis C
DC
D017732:Air Ambulances; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000401:mortality*; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012042:Registries; D013781:Texas; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*