Helicopter emergency medical services for elderly patients: clinical outcomes and disease patterns

BACKGROUND: The rapid aging of global populations necessitates evidence-based optimization of emergency medical services for elderly patients. This study evaluates helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) utilization patterns, clinical outcomes, and disease distribution in elderly patients transported to a metropolitan tertiary care facility. METHODS: Prospective observational study of 119 elderly patients (≥ 65 years) transported via HEMS to Istanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital between January 2021 and January 2023. Data analysis included disease distribution, transport performance metrics, seasonal variation, and clinical outcomes using descriptive statistics and inferential testing. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 74.2 ± 8.4 years. Stroke (30.3%) and cardiovascular conditions (47.1%) represented predominant diagnoses. Mean total transport time was 31.1 min (95% CI: 28.3–33.9). In-hospital mortality was 4.2% (95% CI: 1.4–9.5%), with 28.6% requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Significant seasonal variation occurred (p < 0.001, η²=0.42), with 74.8% of cases during spring-summer months. Geographic analysis revealed disparities with 73.1% of patients originating from Çatalca region. CONCLUSIONS: HEMS represents an essential component of elderly emergency care with favorable clinical outcomes. Age-stratified disease patterns support development of specialized geriatric protocols. Significant seasonal variation and geographic disparities necessitate dynamic resource allocation and policy consideration for equitable HEMS accessibility.