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ANNALES MEDICINAE URGENTIS, Vol. 1 No. 1, 2025.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.64266/amu.1.1.9

Introduction of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Croatia: A Perspective from the Receiving Hospital

Alan Ayoub ; University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
Bruno Gross ; Zagreb County Department of Emergency Medicine, Velika Gorica, Croatia
Tomislav Knotek ; University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
Maša Sorić orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-5002-9800 ; University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia *

* Corresponding author.

Full text: english pdf 185 Kb

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Full text: croatian pdf 185 Kb

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Abstract

Background: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) provide rapid transport and advanced medical care for critically ill or injured patients, especially in hard-to-reach areas. In March 2024, HEMS services were introduced in Croatia, with Dubrava University Hospital serving as the primary receiving center for the Zagreb region. This article presents an analysis of the implementation of HEMS in the northwest part of Croatia from the perspective of a receiving hospital. Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on patients transported by HEMS to Dubrava University Hospital from March to September 2024. Data on patient demographics, transport times, medical interventions, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 41 patients transported by HEMS during the study period, 4 were immediately referred to other specialized centers. The median transport time was 24 minutes. Out of the 37 admitted patients, 14 (38%) were admitted for surgical management, 16 patients (43%) were admitted for medical and neurological management, 7 (19%) were discharged on the same day after workup and observation in the ED. Conclusion: Introducing HEMS in the Zagreb region has enhanced rapid medical care for critically ill patients, especially polytraumatized patients. Further studies are required to optimize patient flow and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords

Emergency Medicine; Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS); Patient Outcomes; Resource Utilization

Hrčak ID:

333867

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/333867

Publication date:

1.2.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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