Retrospective analysis of characteristics and transfer times of helicopter interhospital transfer of stroke patients: balancing air and ground transport efficiency.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ongoing changes in the hospital landscape, combined with evolving patient transfer modalities, are reshaping acute care pathways. This study analyzed the medical needs of transferred stroke patients and assessed the potential time advantage of helicopter transport in this shifting context.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all interhospital helicopter transfers for patients with suspected or confirmed stroke conducted by one HEMS service between 2012 and 2020 was performed. Patient characteristics, medical interventions, and transfer times were extracted from the operational database. Helicopter transfer times were compared to calculated ambulance driving times, which were estimated using Google Maps data adjusted by a correction factor accounting for driving wi

SUBMITTER: Hoechter DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12619459 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature