Time, island and ambulance type characteristics of patient transfers from two Turkish islands

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the time, place and ambulance types specified on the ambulance patient registry forms for cases transferred through 112 EMS in the Bozcaada and Gökçeada island districts of the province of Çanakkale. Design/methodology/approach The universe of the descriptive – cross-sectional epidemiological study was composed of the ambulance patient registration forms of the cases which were transferred from Bozcaada and Gökçeada islands between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013. Findings Of the transfers made, 28.1 percent were in the year 2012, 39.5 percent were in summer, 16.6 percent were in July, 17.9 percent were on Monday, 37.1 percent were between 12.00 and 17.59 h and 61.5 percent were from Gökçeada island. Ground ambulances were more common in the transfers from Bozcaada island, while ambulance boat and helicopter ambulance were more common for transfers from Gökçeada island. Helicopter-Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) (ppp Practical implications This study reveals the current state of the various referral routes from the islands. Originality/value This paper is the first study to demonstrate the characteristics of patients referred from the island belongs to Turkey.