Fig. 1

Japanese HEMS request and transportation system and corresponding statistics of Tochigi prefecture. A helicopter ambulance is called “Doctor-Heli” in Japan. The air lifted or ground escorted patients are either transported to the base hospital or to other hospitals, accompanied by the onboard emergency physician. In contrast, the assisted patients who do not require the attendance of the onboard emergency physician after the initial treatment are transported to the nearest available hospital by the automotive ambulance. Percentages may not total 100 because of rounding. Note: HEMS, helicopter emergency medical services