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. 2019 Sep 1;85(9):1073-1078.

Population Coverage of Trauma Systems: What Do Helicopters Add?

W Andrew Smedley, K Lorraine Stone, John Killian, Allison Brown, Paige Farley, Russell L Griffin, Daniel B Cox, Jeffrey D Kerby, Jan O Jansen

Population Coverage of Trauma Systems: What Do Helicopters Add?

W Andrew Smedley et al. Am Surg. .

Abstract

Trauma is a time-critical condition. Helicopters are thought to enhance the accessibility to trauma centers, but this benefit is poorly quantified. The aim of this study was to conduct a geographical analysis of the added benefit provided by helicopters, over ground transport. This study uses geospatial analysis. Helicopter bases and Level I and II designated trauma centers were geocoded. 60-minute drive-time and elliptical flight-time isochrones were mapped with ArcGIS™ (Esri, Redlands, CA). Calculations included allowance for mission ground time (MGT). We compared the proportion of the population that could be taken to Level I and II trauma centers, within 60 minutes, by road and by air. Using a 30-minute MGT model, helicopters permit 279,317 additional residents (5.8%) access to a Level I trauma center within 60 minutes. Using the 20-minute MGT model, 1,089,177 more residents (22.8%) would have access to Level I trauma center care. The benefits were marginally greater for access to Level I and II trauma center care. Helicopters enhance access to specialist trauma center care, but the benefit is small and dependent on MGT. Consideration should be given to the siting of helicopters, particularly in relation to trauma patients, MGT, and the timely response of EMS when determining the triage for helicopter transport.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Maps of helicopter coverage to Level I and Level I and II trauma centers with MGTs of 30 and 20 minutes.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Maps of 60-minute drive-time isochrones surrounding Level I trauma centers and Level I and II trauma centers.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Comparison of drive-time isochrones and flight-time ellipses for Level I trauma centers and Level I and II trauma centers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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