A decision support system for helicopter emergency medical service operations

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operate around-the-clock, in all-weather conditions, and often with no fore-warning. In a time critical operation, where precious minutes may cost lives, the crew must decide which cases dictate a HEMS response and if so, whether the conditions are safe to conduct the mission. This paper provides an overview of the current research into developing an intelligent system which is capable of supporting the decision-making processes faced prior to aero-medical operations.