Heliport Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in Unstable Geopolitical Region; Palestine – Mobility Perspective

Currently, emergency medical services (EMS) in Palestine are solely provided through ground transportation. This study aims to explore the potential for implementing the most effective Heliport Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) system in Palestine and evaluate its expected performance. The current average demand for ground EMS stands at 83,000 trips per year, with many rural communities experiencing response times exceeding 25 minutes, which is considered high. The study investigates the most suitable locations for HEMS based on the condition of existing hospitals and aims to achieve the highest population coverage within the shortest possible response time. To determine these locations, the Maximal Covering Location Problem technique within ArcMap GIS software was utilized. It was estimated that the demand for HEMS in the West Bank is approximately 0.23 patients per hour, totaling 2,000 patients per year. Various scenarios regarding HEMS coverage rates and response times were explored, ultimately identifying the most appropriate scenario as having two helipads with one helicopter, ensuring a maximum response time of 25 minutes to achieve a 100% coverage rate. Queuing theory analysis demonstrated that this scenario would yield satisfactory performance levels, ensuring that patients are transported to the nearest hospital within a reasonable timeframe. Additionally, the benefit-cost analysis of the proposed HEMS system indicated a worthwhile expected average cost per saved life. Furthermore, a plan framework for implementing HEMS in the WB is proposed.