Air Ambulance Operations in Northern Norway (2002-2008)
Author Information
Author(s): Norum Jan, Elsbak Trond M
Primary Institution: University of Tromsø
Hypothesis
The continuous centralisation of advanced specialised health care has increased the need for and use of air ambulance resources.
Conclusion
The use of air ambulances, especially rotor wing, significantly increased during the study period, reflecting the centralisation of medical care.
Supporting Evidence
- There was a 45% increase in the use of rotor wing operations during the study period.
- The number of air ambulance operations was 16 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is higher than in other north European regions.
- Cardiovascular disease and injuries constituted half of all operations.
- The shift in fixed wing operations reflected the centralisation of several health care services.
Takeaway
Air ambulances in northern Norway are used more often now because hospitals are getting bigger and more specialized, which means they need to transport patients more.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of air ambulance fleet activity using data from the electronic patient record database.
Limitations
The study did not address the impact of additional flights on primary outcomes.
Participant Demographics
The population of northern Norway is approximately 460,000, with a significant portion living in remote areas.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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