Clinical outcomes and characteristics of patients transported by helicopter emergency medical services to a comprehensive stroke centre

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Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) provide rapid access to comprehensive care for patients with ischemic stroke. Expansion of the endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment time window has enabled more ischemic stroke patients to be considered for intervention, but also presents challenges for triage and transport decisions in strained healthcare systems. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of HEMS transports for confirmed or suspected ischemic stroke patients, compare intervention rates between early (<6h from last seen normal to HEMS consult) and late (≥6h) presenters, and identify pre-transport factors associated with neuro-intervention.

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