Helicopter EMS and rapid transport for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: The HEARTS study

• DOI: 10.5339/jemtac.2017.8
• Publication Date: 2017-06-20T07:49:38Z
• Authors: Sameer A. Pathan; Jason Soulek; Isma Qureshi; Howard Werman; Andrew Reimer; Michael W. Brunko; Guillaume Alinier; Furqan B. Irfan; Stephen H. Thomas
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

Background: Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and ground EMS (GEMS) are both integral parts of out-of-hospital transport systems for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). There firm data linking time savings PPCI transports improved outcome. A previous pilot analysis generated preliminary estimates potential HEMS-associated transports. Methods: This non-interventional multicenter study conducted over the period 2012–2014 at six centers in USA State Qatar assessed a consecutive series HEMS PPCI; one center GEMS least 15 miles were also if they came from sites that used (dual-mode referring hospitals). The or air dispatch to patient cardiac center, through arrival receiving unit, determine proportions arriving within accepted 90- 120-minute windows PPCI. Actual times compared “route-mapping” using geographical information software. HEMS' calculated program-specific aircraft characteristics, was translated into estimated mortality benefit. Results: included 257 27 cases. cases had high rate overall (from unit arrival) fell predefined 90 minutes (67.7% cases) 120 (91.1% cases). As times, accrue median saving 32 (interquartile range, 17–46). number needed get additional case 3. In varied contexts this study, lives saved by HEMS, solely savings, as 1.34 per 100 Conclusions: found be appropriate defined meeting windows. estimate alone consistent generally favorable cost-effectiveness. Further research is necessary confirm these findings, but judicious deployment justified data.