A 12-month retrospective descriptive analysis of a single helicopter emergency medical service operator in four South African provinces.

Introduction: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) is integrated into modern emergency medical services because of its suggested mortality benefit in certain patient populations, it is an expensive resource and appropriate use/feasibility in low- to middle income countries (LMIC) is highly debated. To maximise benefit, correct patient selection in HEMS is paramount. To achieve this, current practices first need to be described.

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Response to a Major Incident.

Major incidents account for a vast number of consequences, whether it be individual morbidity and mortality or economic disruption and expense. Because of the infrequent nature, it poses a variety of unique risks and challenges for individual emergency medical services systems. Air ambulances are usually dispatched based on the clinical presentation of an individual patient who needs emergent critical care intervention.