Exploring the economics of helicopter rescue in Australia

Taylor, Colman B; Jan, Stephen; Myburgh, John A

doi:10.5694/mja12.10737

Topics

Do helicopters deliver value for the emergency care dollar?

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) have a considerable history in Australia, with operations in Sydney dating back to 1973. HEMS have evolved from their original use in water-based search and rescue to become an established mode of medical transport in the local health system, helping to alleviate the “tyranny of distance” that restricts equitable access to health care in Australia.

The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW.

Correspondence: ctaylor@georgeinstitute.org.au

Acknowledgements:

John Myburgh is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Practitioner Fellowship, St George Clinical School, the University of New South Wales and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.

Competing interests:

Colman Taylor has a part-time position with Novartis. John Myburgh has a staff specialist position funded by NSW Health.

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