Abstract
Background: Automatic standby (AS) of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) may allow improved utilization appropriateness (UA) for scene trauma, although this has not been studied. Methods: HEMS records were reviewed for 16 months, including date, county of origin, and UA. Data were analyzed descriptively with χ 2 where appropriate. Results: Of 274 flights, there was no significant change in UA where AS was in place versus where it was not ( P = .36). One county had an increase in total flights with AS in use without a significant change in UA ( P = .10). Conclusion: In this region, use of an AS policy for scene trauma resulted in increased utilization of HEMS without a corresponding change in UA. Specifically, inappropriate utilization did not increase. This finding suggests that such a policy does not incur overutilization despite increasing total flights. Further study with larger numbers is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
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