Emergency
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The role of Helicopter EMS must be to improve patient care and/or to ensure the most rapid transport of critically ill or injured patients. It has been suggested by Rhee et al, that the aeromedical service can be justified when the speed of the helicopter transport, the skills of the medical crew, and/or the ability of the helicopter to overcome environmental obstacles is likely to contribute to improved patient outcome. If one adds the essentials of well-trained, professional personnel and equipment, the "helicopter" becomes an important part of the overall medical care system and an essential component in improving patient outcome. ⋯ At the same time, an apparent paradox in mortality rate has occurred at the receiving hospital. While more patients are saved by speedy transport to a hospital, the mortality rate in that hospital may actually increase. Some patients who may have died from their injuries at the scene, or in transit, now die upon admission.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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The air medical industry has seen dramatic changes in the 1980s, and there will be still more changes in the years to come. But are hospital-based air medical programs cost-effective? That depends on who is answering the question. An air medical program with a specially trained team can improve the quality of medical care to critically ill or injured patients. ⋯ Finally, an air medical program can also decrease the number of ground ambulances needed for long-distance patient transports both in highly populated urban or rural areas. This will free more ambulances for local coverage. To the sponsoring hospital, the costs of operating an air medical program are high.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)