Introduction: This study examined the epidemiology of winter resort injuries presenting to regional
trauma centers by helicopter (HEMS) or ground (GEMS) ambulance.
Methods: Five hundred seventy-five patients (GEMS 289; HEMS 286) were identified from trauma
registries and HEMS transport records. Demographic data, hospital interventions, and
discharge status were examined.
Results: HEMS patients had a significantly lower Glasgow coma score (GCS) and trauma score
(TS), longer intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and more deaths than
did GEMS patients (P < 0.05). Despite this, significantly more HEMS patients were discharged home from
the emergency department (24.5% vs. 4.8%; P < 0.001). HEMS patients had more isolated head/facial injuries and multiple injuries,
with less isolated extremity injuries than did GEMS patients (P < 0.05). Regardless of transport mode, patients with multiple injuries, thoracoabdominal
injuries, or head injuries with a GCS ≤ 13 were more likely to require immediate interventions
(intubation, chest tube, blood products). Patients with isolated extremity injuries
rarely needed immediate care.
Conclusion: HEMS patients had a higher acuity and different injury pattern when compared to GEMS
patients. Approximately 24.5% of HEMS patients were discharged home from the ED. This
reflects significant overtriage of patients to HEMS. A prospective study examining
the initial triage of patients injured at winter resorts would help to determine which
subset of patients are best served by HEMS transport.
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© 2006 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
