Helipad

A helipad is a designated area, often on a rooftop or open ground, that is used for the takeoff, landing, and sometimes parking of helicopters. Here are some key aspects of helipads:

Design and Structure:

Surface: Helipads typically have a hard surface, like concrete or asphalt, that can support the weight of helicopters. Markings: They are usually marked with a large “H” and may include additional markings for guidance and safety. Lighting: Helipads are equipped with lighting for night operations, often including perimeter lights and floodlights. Location:

Hospitals: Many hospitals have helipads to facilitate the quick transport of critically ill or injured patients. Skyscrapers and Hotels: High-rise buildings often have helipads to provide quick access for executives and VIPs. Remote Areas: Helipads are used in remote locations for access to areas that are difficult to reach by road. Regulations and Safety:

Regulatory Compliance: Helipads must comply with aviation regulations, which can include safety measures, design specifications, and operational guidelines. Safety Protocols: These include ensuring clear airspace, secure landing zones, and emergency procedures in case of accidents. Usage:

Medical Evacuation (MedEvac): Helipads are crucial for air ambulances that transport patients swiftly to medical facilities. Corporate and Private Use: Business executives and VIPs often use helipads for quick travel. Search and Rescue Operations: Helipads are vital for search and rescue missions, providing a base for operations. Infrastructure:

Support Facilities: Some helipads have adjacent facilities such as fuel stations, hangars, and maintenance areas. Access Routes: Efficient ground access to and from the helipad is essential for the rapid transfer of passengers or patients. Helipads are essential components in urban planning and emergency services, providing critical access and operational flexibility in various scenarios.

A observational study provides an overview of the implementation and impact of the helipad at the Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, Romania. The helipad, established in April 2019, is the only rooftop medical helipad in Bucharest authorized for day and night flights. Its influence extends beyond the local region, enabling the hospital to receive patients from various cities across Romania. The helipad has particularly strengthened the hospital's capabilities in cardiology, neurovascular emergencies, and neonatal care. Patients with acute myocardial infarctions or strokes can now be swiftly transported to the hospital for immediate intervention, whereas critically ill newborns can receive specialized care at the earliest stages of their lives. The objective of this article was to present a comprehensive timeline of the helipad's implementation and to demonstrate its transformative role in improving patient transportation, enhancing medical interventions, and elevating the overall efficiency of the health care facility.

The study is a retrospective regional caseload analysis based on data gathered from the Emergency Department of the University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest database. We included all 215 air transfer missions registered between December 2019 and December 2022, exactly 3 years apart from the beginning of the program.

The findings provide valuable insights into patient demographics, case distribution, and trends, highlighting the importance of specialized medical interventions at the University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest. In particular, the mean age of patients treated at the hospital was 55.9 years, with a higher representation of males (156) than females (59). The average duration of hospitalization was 10.68 days. The study also examined transportation statistics, showing a decrease in the average number of transports per month over the years. Cardiologic cases accounted for the highest frequency (62.8%) among the analyzed categories followed by neurosurgery (8.8%) and neurologic cases (8.4%).

The analysis provides important insights into patient demographics, case distribution, and trends. The findings highlight the significance of specialized medical interventions, particularly in cardiology and neurosurgery, which accounted for the majority of the cases. The implementation of the helipad has greatly improved patient aeromedical transportation and facilitated timely medical assistance ¹⁾.