Journal Of The American Medical Association Report Released This Week

A study released Tuesday by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that patients transported to Level I and II trauma centers by helicopters have improved odds of survival compared to transport by ground ambulances.

While the raw numbers indicated that a higher percentage of those transported by helicopter died, the JAMA researchers took into account "higher Severity Scores" for those being flown to medical facilities. It found that a greater percentage of those transported by helicopter to Level I centers were discharged to rehabilitation centers as well as to intermediate medical facilities.

The study also found that those transported by helicopter were less likely to to leave Level II trauma centers against medical advice.

The study concluded that patients who had suffered "major trauma" and were transported by helicopter to Level I and II trauma centers were more likely to survive after taking all of the factors into consideration. JAMA said the study was undertaken because of the debate surrounding the medical helicopter industry, which the study called "a limited and expensive resource."

FMI: http://jama.ama-assn.org