Evaluation of appropriateness of HEMS transport based on sending physician perception of patient status

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) have come under increasing scrutiny to justify the increased expense of helicopter over ground transport. In March 2005, the Wall Street Journal published the latest article claiming that HEMS was being utilized to provide transport to patients that were later determined to not be medically necessary. A literature review demonstrated that published utilization studies generally evaluate the appropriateness of air transport based on post flight opinions which have the benefit of diagnostic studies and specialist evaluations not available at the time of transport.