• Dariusz Timler, Robert Galazkowski, Katarzyna Bogusiak, and Anna Kasielska-Trojan.
• Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Polonia.
• Emergencias. 2015 Jun 1; 27 (3): 193-196.

ObjectivesThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze transport by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in cases of ischemic cerebral stroke in Poland in 2011 and 2012. We assessed the role of the HEMS in reducing prehospital times and analyzed changes in patients' status during transport.Material And MethodsRetrospective study of all missions flown by the Polish HEMS to attend stroke patients over the 2-year period. The following data were collected for each mission and patient: time from activation of the HEMS until arrival at the scene, time spent at the scene; and scores on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics scale, the Revised Trauma Scale (ETR), and the Glasgow Coma Scale (ECG) at the scene and on transfer of the patient to the hospital or ambulance.ResultsA total of 1191 patients were analyzed. The mean (SD) ETR and ECG scores on the scene were 11.1 (1.36) and 11.8 (3.39), respectively. After HEMS transport the means were 11.0 (1.5) and 11.7 (3.5). In-flight transport did not affect the patient's condition, but more time spent at the scene was associated with significantly lower scores on the scales.ConclusionHelicopter transport of these patients is safe and ensures their transfer to the nearest hospital or ambulance within the treatment time window. Time spent on care at the scene of the emergency should probably be as short as possible.

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