Initial Experience of an Emergency Helicopter Transport Service in the Outer Hebrides

Abstract

The outcome of patients transported by coastguard helicopter to the Lewis Hospital, Stornoway was studied for the first 30 months of the service. Although undoubtedly life-saving in some cases, some patients were transferred for trivial reasons. Feedback between the hospital and ships' captains and owners may reduce possible abuse of this service. Most patients were uplifted entirely appropriately.