• Monika Afzali, Rasmus Hesselfeldt, Jacob Steinmetz, Annemarie Bondegaard Thomsen, and Lars S Rasmussen.
• Department of Anaesthesia, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet. monika_afzali@hotmail.com
• Dan Med J. 2013 Jul 1;60(7):A4647.

IntroductionCentralization of the hospital system entails longer transport for some patients. A physician-staffed helicopter may provide effective triage, advanced management and fast transport to highly specialized treatment for time-critical patients. The aim of this study was to describe activity and possible beneficial effect of a physician-staffed helicopter in a one-year trial period in eastern Denmark.Material And MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of all missions related to a daylight operating, physician-staffed helicopter. We recorded information about the activity during 12 months, focusing on dispatchment, diagnoses, medical interventions, admission patterns and 30-day mortality.ResultsThere were a total of 574 missions resulting in 609 patient contacts. Activity ranged from 22 to 76 missions per month. The helicopter was grounded 6% of its operating time, mainly due to weather conditions. The primary patient categories were trauma (43.5%) and cardiac disease (26.1%). The physician acted as Medical Incident Officer at three major incidents. A total of 53 endotracheal intubations, 13 intraosseous cannula insertions and four tube thoracostomies were performed. The median hospital length-of-stay was four days, 30-day mortality was 6.1% and 86 patients were transferred to intensive care units.ConclusionThe physician-staffed helicopter had approximately two missions per day the first year, mainly in relation to trauma and cardiac patients needing specialized treatment. Advanced medical interventions were commonly performed.FundingFunded by Trygfonden.Trial Registrationnot relevant.

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