[Helicopters for the transportation of casualties. Analysis of injured persons transferred to the Traumatology and Special Surgery Research Institute in Brno from 1 July 1988 to 12 December 1990].

The author analyzes a group of casualties who were brought to the Institute of Traumatology and Special Surgery in Brno by helicopter, when the latter was introduced among the equipment of the emergency service, between July 1, 1988 and December 31, 1990. A total of 80 casualties were transported by helicopter. The tables provide accurate data on the numbers of casualties in different years, the mechanism of their injury and summary of injuries they suffered. One of the tables offers orientation on the activities of the Institute during the period of investigation. From an analysis of the group it is apparent that the helicopter is used for transport of patients in an expedient way. Its use is optimal in various large scale events, in the control of accidents on highways and for transport of casualties from remote places. Perspectively casualties should be transferred from the site of accident directly to the centre which will provide definite treatment regardless of the distance in order to avoid incompetent stages of treatment. On the other hand, the use of helicopters in urban areas is of minor importance and the possibilities of their use are limited. In future it will be necessary to build landing sites at specialized centres which are the destination of the casualties.