Story perspectives

HEMS Boosts Trauma Survival Rates: 115 Lives Saved Annually

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) improve trauma patient survival, with 30-day survival at 85% versus 81%.
The analysis covers nearly a decade of data from southeast England.
The improvement equates to about five additional survivors per 100 patients, potentially 115 lives saved annually.
Researchers call for continued investment in HEMS, especially for severely injured patients, while noting that further studies are needed to confirm causality.

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Story summary

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) improve trauma patient survival, with 30-day survival at 85% versus 81%.
The analysis covers nearly a decade of data from southeast England.
The improvement equates to about five additional survivors per 100 patients, potentially 115 lives saved annually.
Researchers call for continued investment in HEMS, especially for severely injured patients, while noting that further studies are needed to confirm causality.