Helicopter air ambulance services.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Helicopter air ambulances are an integral component of modern trauma care, and are able to transport patients to facilities with greater capabilities, extract injured patients from hostile terrain, and speed transport to a trauma center.

RECENT FINDINGS: HAA transport does not reduce the total time required to transport a patient, but it does reduce the time that the patient is between healthcare facilities. Factors that have been suggested to improve outcomes for trauma patients include the availability of advanced interventions, skilled personnel, speed, and trauma center access. Despite their potential benefits to the patient, HAA operations carry significant risks. HAA operations are among the most dangerous professions for both pilot and crew with a mortality rate greater than commercial fishing, loggers, and steelworkers. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified that the four most common causes of HAA accidents as inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, loss of control, controlled flight into terrain, and night conditions.

SUMMARY: HAA operations are well tolerated and can improve patient care, but additional research is needed to improve our understanding of HAA operations and their effect on outcomes.