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Wed, 5 Jun 2002 19:29:59 BST

Valerie,
One reference is:
Deakin C. Davies G. Defining trauma patient subpopulations for field 
stabilization. [Journal Article] European Journal of Emergency 
Medicine. 1(1):31-3, 1994 Mar.

Not sure if it will help much as the conclusion pretty much was that the relationship 
between pre-hospital time and outcome was difficult to establish - it seemed as if pre-
hospital time was not related to outcome BUT there are a lot of possible confounders 
in this type of study (such as pre-hospital teams hurrying more with the more 
severly injured patients). It may be difficult to make an argument based on a time 
saving of a few minutes.

I would suggest that the location of the helipad is more about ease of use than time. 
It needs to be within easy 'trolley push' distance, or else you start needing an 
ambulance to get from helipad to Emergency Room (which is unfortunately the 
current situation at most hospitals in London). A reasonable 'trolley push' distance 
is probably up to 100 meters (and should be under cover - but perhaps the weather 
in Australia makes this less of a consideration!).

Tim.

> Hello all,
> 
> Does anyone have any good references with
> information (articles, publications,etc)
> regarding prehospital times and its effect on
> patient outcome.
> 
> In particular, any information regarding the need
> to have the helicopter landing pad within the
> closest proximity to the Emergency Department.
> 
> I know it sounds logical and obvious but I am at
> present battling it out with our bureaucrats and
> administrators to prevent them moving our landing
> pad from 90 secs away to 5-10 mins away down the
> road. Incidently this has been decided to the
> exclusion of any clinicians.
> 
> Anything to help me win this battle would be
> greatly appreciated.
> 
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Timothy J Coats MD FRCS FFAEM
Senior Lecturer in Accident and Emergency / Pre-Hospital Care
Royal London Hospital, UK.

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