Incidence and challenges of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) rescue missions with helicopter hoist operations: analysis of 11,228 daytime and nighttime missions in Switzerland

Abstract Objective We aimed to investigate the medical characteristics of helicopter hoist operations (HHO) in HEMS missions. Methods designed a retrospective study evaluating all HHO and other human external cargo (HEC) missions performed by Swiss Air-Rescue (Rega) between January 1, 2010, December 31, 2019. Results During period, 9,963 (88.7 %) with HEC were conducted during day, 1,265 (11.3 at night. Of victims time-critical injuries (NACA ≥ 4), 21.1 % ( n = 400) reached hospital within 60 min 9.1 18) Nighttime missions, trauma diagnosis, intubation on-site, NACA Score 4 independently highly significantly associated longer mission times p < 0.001). The greatest proportion patients who needed or course daytime sustained moderate 3, 3,731, 37.5 while practicing recreational activities 5,492, 55.1 %). In most common interventions insertion peripheral intravenous access 3,857, 38.7 administration analgesia 3,121, 31.3 Conclusions Nearly 20 be evacuated severely injured, complex lifesaving necessary before procedure. Therefore, only adequately trained experienced crew members should accompany