Policy Implications of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Isfahan Province

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) provide medical care to critically ill patients and the injured immediately and provide faster treatment, thereby reducing the length of hospitalization. This study aimed to identify the policy implications of HEMS in Isfahan province.

This qualitative study was conducted using the thematic analysis method. The study population included the managers, personnel, and flight crews of Isfahan HEMS. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method, followed by the snowball method. Initially, 14 individuals from the HEMS personnel were interviewed using the interview guide form, and then, the opinions of 15 participants from the flight crews were collected through an open questionnaire. Maxqda10 software was used for data coding.

The research findings were classified into challenges, opportunities, and implications. In terms of challenges, 11 themes and 34 categories were identified in this study.  HEMS opportunities were also divided into 8 themes and 11 categories. The policy implications provided by the participants were also categorized into 8 themes and 28 categories.

Considering that one of the most important known challenges was the lack of specialized helicopters and medicopters, according to the results, it is suggested that the managers of Isfahan HEMS take measures to solve the existing challenges and develop plans to strengthen the capacities and utilize the opportunities.