03/06/2026
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) MYTH vs FACT
❌ MYTH #1: Helicopters are always faster than road transport.
✅ FACT:
HEMS is not automatically the fastest option in every situation. Factors such as weather, distance, landing zone access, aircraft availability, and patient condition all play a role. In some cases, a well-positioned road ambulance may reach the hospital faster. The goal is always the best and safest transport option for the patient.
❌ MYTH #2: Every critically ill patient needs a helicopter.
✅ FACT:
Not every critically ill or injured patient benefits from air transport. HEMS is reserved for patients who will benefit from rapid access to specialised care, advanced interventions, or transport over long distances. The right resource is selected based on the patient’s clinical needs.
❌ MYTH #3: HEMS only transports trauma patients.
✅ FACT:
While trauma is a major part of HEMS operations, crews also manage a wide range of medical emergencies including heart attacks, strokes, severe infections, respiratory failure, high-risk neonatal and paediatric transfers, and many other critical conditions.
❌ MYTH #4: HEMS is too expensive to justify.
✅ FACT:
HEMS provides rapid access to advanced critical care and specialist hospitals, especially in time-sensitive emergencies. Early intervention and faster access to definitive care can improve outcomes, reduce complications, and in many cases save lives.
❌ MYTH #5: HEMS crews only provide transport.
✅ FACT:
HEMS crews provide advanced critical care at the patient’s side and throughout transport. This includes specialised interventions such as advanced airway management, ventilator support, critical medication administration, and continuous intensive monitoring.
Our highly trained ROCKET HEMS aeromedical crews deliver ICU-level care in challenging and time-critical environments, ensuring patients receive expert treatment when they need it most.
