Firm Logo
201-231-7847

Helicopter transport is safer than ambulance

April 20, 2012

When involved in a serious accident or after suffering trauma, victims need to be transported to the nearest hospital. Usually they are taken by ambulance, but when injuries are life-threatening or when the accident occurs remotely, victims are often taken by helicopter. The care received by a patient while in transport can be critical to survival.

New research suggests that patients who are transported by helicopter in New Jersey and nationwide have a better survival rate and are more likely to fare better, generally, than patients who are transported by ambulance. This can be critical for patients who suffer brain or spinal cord injuries.

According to research, injured passengers or drivers have a better survival rate if they are transported by helicopter rather than an ambulance. Most of the time, passengers are treated for trauma or rushed to the hospital after a car accident. Some believe that the speed of transport and the training of the crew make it more likely for victims to survive if taken by helicopter. Researchers also believed that ground crews don’t have the same tools available to them as helicopter crews.

Helicopters are primarily used when an accident is more than 30 minutes by ground. While there is an added cost, it can increase the survival rate for victims of serious injury. The time difference provides a cushion for doctors who can take earlier action once the patient arrives at the hospital.

While the research was cursory and should be developed further, the statistical difference does highlight the difference in care, treatment, and survival rates among trauma patients. Now even doctors believe that those who are transported by helicopter get better treatment and tend to fare better after a serious accident.

Source: Reuters, “Trauma patients taken by chopper may fare better,” Andrew M. Seaman, April 17, 2012.

“Smart, creative and

aggressive lawyers who put

their client’s interests first" —

"The Epstein Law Firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement in an extremely complex and difficult financial services case. He and his team not only mastered the complex issues in the case, but also expertly handled all aspects of the negotiations. I cannot thank Michael enough for his dedication and hard work, and I highly recommend him and The Epstein Law Firm for those who need smart, creative, and aggressive lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.”

"The Epstein Law Firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement in an extremely complex and difficult financial services case. He and his team not only mastered the complex issues in the case, but also expertly handled all aspects of the negotiations. I cannot thank Michael enough for his dedication and hard work, and I highly recommend him and The Epstein Law Firm for those who need smart, creative, and aggressive lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.”

More Five Star Reviews
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
© 2023 The Epstein Law Firm. All Rights Reserved.Disclaimer.Site Map.