Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review

Abstract Background One of the most significant advantages of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disaster relief efforts is their ability to reach inaccessible or remote areas quickly. This is especially important in the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurr...

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Main Authors: Mahmoud Hatami, Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh, Mostafa Bijani, Mahmoudreza Peyravi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2023-11-01
Series:BMC Emergency Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-023-00908-5
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author Mahmoud Hatami
Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh
Mostafa Bijani
Mahmoudreza Peyravi
author_facet Mahmoud Hatami
Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh
Mostafa Bijani
Mahmoudreza Peyravi
author_sort Mahmoud Hatami
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background One of the most significant advantages of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disaster relief efforts is their ability to reach inaccessible or remote areas quickly. This is especially important in the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, where roads may be blocked or damaged, and conventional ground transportation may not be available. There are many factors can affect the performance of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disasters. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disasters. Methods The systematic search in Cochran Library, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases between the first of January in 1975 and the thirty-first of May in 2023. The articles were selected based on the keywords of the authors. At last, the criteria were extracted from the selected ones. Results The primary search included 839 articles. After studying their title, abstract, and full context, only nine articles, including two qualitative and seven quantitative ones, were chosen for analysis. After analysis and extracting data from the final studies, the preparation factors were categorized into 6 general classes of human resources: training and practicing, management, instructions and standards, equipment, and structure. Among these, the role of training is highlighted by holding practice and maneuvers to improve and prepare the personnel and manage disasters and incidents. Conclusion The results obtained from this systematic review provide a total view of the factors affecting the preparation of the air ambulance during disasters and incidents. It is recommended that senior managers and policy makers use the findings of the present study to identify the factors which affect preparedness of HEMS in disasters and take the necessary measures to eliminate to obstacles.
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spelling doaj.art-fbc3e1fbb81d436fa3bb7faa972fb08e2023-11-19T12:34:47ZengBMCBMC Emergency Medicine1471-227X2023-11-0123111510.1186/s12873-023-00908-5Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic reviewMahmoud Hatami0Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh1Mostafa Bijani2Mahmoudreza Peyravi3Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Fasa University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background One of the most significant advantages of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disaster relief efforts is their ability to reach inaccessible or remote areas quickly. This is especially important in the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, where roads may be blocked or damaged, and conventional ground transportation may not be available. There are many factors can affect the performance of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disasters. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disasters. Methods The systematic search in Cochran Library, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases between the first of January in 1975 and the thirty-first of May in 2023. The articles were selected based on the keywords of the authors. At last, the criteria were extracted from the selected ones. Results The primary search included 839 articles. After studying their title, abstract, and full context, only nine articles, including two qualitative and seven quantitative ones, were chosen for analysis. After analysis and extracting data from the final studies, the preparation factors were categorized into 6 general classes of human resources: training and practicing, management, instructions and standards, equipment, and structure. Among these, the role of training is highlighted by holding practice and maneuvers to improve and prepare the personnel and manage disasters and incidents. Conclusion The results obtained from this systematic review provide a total view of the factors affecting the preparation of the air ambulance during disasters and incidents. It is recommended that senior managers and policy makers use the findings of the present study to identify the factors which affect preparedness of HEMS in disasters and take the necessary measures to eliminate to obstacles.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-023-00908-5PreparednessHelicopter Emergency Medical ServiceHEMSIncidentDisaster
spellingShingle Mahmoud Hatami
Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh
Mostafa Bijani
Mahmoudreza Peyravi
Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
BMC Emergency Medicine
Preparedness
Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
HEMS
Incident
Disaster
title Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
title_full Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
title_fullStr Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
title_full_unstemmed Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
title_short Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
title_sort factors affecting the preparedness of helicopter emergency medical services hems in disasters a systematic review
topic Preparedness
Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
HEMS
Incident
Disaster
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-023-00908-5
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