Introduction of a Physician-Staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in Eastern Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan

ObjectiveTo analyze the operating situation of a physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service in eastern Shizuoka prefecture.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using the conveyance records reported by staff members of the physician-staffed helicopter. A comparison between 2007 (n = 619) and 2012 (n = 678) was performed.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to the sex, ratio of cardiopulmonary arrest, and survival ratio. In contrast, the duration from the request of dispatch to arrival at the hospital in 2007 was significantly longer than that in 2012 (53.7 vs 48.2 minutes, P < 0.0001). The average age in 2007 was significantly younger than in 2012 (55.7 vs 59.4 years, P < 0.01). The ratio of trauma case in the 2012 was higher than that in 2007 (47 vs 37%, P < 0.001). The ratio of severe cases in 2007 was higher than in 2012 (45 vs 39%, P < 0.05).ConclusionJapan is an aging society. In eastern Shizuoka prefecture, the increase in the number of trauma and minor injury cases may have increased due to the emphasis on the importance of early medical intervention by the fire department.