Cleared to land? A nationwide analysis of emergency care hospital and HEMS infrastructure in Germany
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Nearly one-third of German emergency hospitals lack helipads, impacting access to Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). This study highlights infrastructure gaps and calls for improved aeromedical access nationwide.
Area Of Science
- Emergency Medicine
- Aeromedical Services
- Healthcare Infrastructure Analysis
Background
- Healthcare systems are centralizing, increasing patient transport distances.
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) are vital for equitable emergency care access, especially in rural areas.
- HEMS landing infrastructure at hospitals is under-examined.
Purpose Of The Study
- To conduct the first nationwide mapping of German emergency hospitals and HEMS landing facilities.
- To analyze the distribution, availability, and types of HEMS landing infrastructure.
- To identify factors associated with HEMS landing facility distribution and assess spatial access.
Main Methods
- Nationwide cross-sectional analysis of German hospitals (Emergency Care Level I-III).
- Assessment of HEMS landing facilities (certified helipads, Public Interest Sites) using hospital data and satellite imagery.
- Analysis of hospital and regional factors, spatial access, and data completeness.
Main Results
- 69.6% of 1,037 emergency hospitals have a landing facility; 30.4% lack any.
- Certified helipads are present at 44.0% of facilities with landing sites, while 56.0% use Public Interest Sites.
- Hospitals in rural areas are more likely to have HEMS landing facilities, while urban facilities, especially higher-tier ones, show deficits.
Conclusions
- A significant portion of German emergency hospitals lack essential HEMS landing infrastructure.
- The prevalence of Public Interest Sites over certified helipads and deficits in urban areas indicate regulatory and structural issues.
- Recommendations include enhanced national oversight, infrastructure modernization, and harmonized European standards for reliable aeromedical access.
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