Extending access to specialist services: the impact of an onsite helipad and analysis of the first 100 flights.
BACKGROUND
In November 2011, University Hospital Southampton (UHS), now a major trauma centre, opened its onsite helipad, allowing patients to be brought to the emergency department (ED) directly by air ambulance. Prior to this, helicopters were required to land at a local playing field and the patient had to be transferred by land ambulance. This study aims to investigate the impact this change in practice has had on the flow of patients to the ED.


METHODS
The authors completed a retrospective case analysis of the first 100 patients brought directly to UHS by helicopter. Data were obtained from ED notes and helicopter provider databases. Analysis was conducted on the type of incident and appropriateness of referral. Incident locations were plotted geographically.


RESULTS
100 patients arrived at UHS ED by helicopter between 17 November 2011 and 31 March 2012. Of these, 79 were primary helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) missions and 21 were secondary transfers from other hospitals. Of the HEMS patients, 38 were likely to have been transported to another hospital, had there not been an onsite helipad at UHS. 29 passed another suitable receiving hospital en route and therefore may have come to UHS for speciality services.


CONCLUSIONS
The provision of an onsite, 24 h helipad facility at UHS has resulted in a significant number of patients being transported to the hospital by helicopter who might otherwise have attended an alternative hospital.
Workforce Development Directorate, NHS South of England, Winchester, UK.
Eleanor S
ES
Freshwater
Phillip
P
Dickinson
Robert
R
Crouch
Charles D
CD
Deakin
C Andy
CA
Eynon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017732:Air Ambulances / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
Trauma; emergency ambulance systems; emergency care systems, emergency departments; helicopter retrieval; triage