@article{ref1,
title="Transport of winter resort injuries to regional trauma centers",
journal="Air Medical Journal",
year="2006",
author="McCowan, Christy L. and Thomas, Felicity and Swanson, E. R. and Hartsell, Stephen and Cortez, Juventino and Day, Sue and Handrahan, Diana L.",
volume="25",
number="1",
pages="26-34",
abstract="Introduction: This study examined the epidemiology of winter resort injuries presenting to regional trauma centers by helicopter (HEMS) or ground (GEMS) ambulance. Methods: Five hundred seventy-five patients (GEMS 289; HEMS 286) were identified from trauma registries and HEMS transport records. Demographic data, hospital interventions, and discharge status were examined. Results: HEMS patients had a significantly lower Glasgow coma score (GCS) and trauma score (TS), longer intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and more deaths than did GEMS patients (P < 0.05). Despite this, significantly more HEMS patients were discharged home from the emergency department (24.5% vs. 4.8%; P < 0.001). HEMS patients had more isolated head/facial injuries and multiple injuries, with less isolated extremity injuries than did GEMS patients (P < 0.05). Regardless of transport mode, patients with multiple injuries, thoracoabdominal injuries, or head injuries with a GCS </= 13 were more likely to require immediate interventions (intubation, chest tube, blood products). Patients with isolated extremity injuries rarely needed immediate care. Conclusion: HEMS patients had a higher acuity and different injury pattern when compared to GEMS patients. Approximately 24.5% of HEMS patients were discharged home from the ED. This reflects significant overtriage of patients to HEMS. A prospective study examining the initial triage of patients injured at winter resorts would help to determine which subset of patients are best served by HEMS transport.",
language="",
issn="1067-991X",
doi="10.1016/j.amj.2005.10.005",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amj.2005.10.005"
}