Doctor helicopters see fewer flights in Denmark

In 2023, Danish emergency medical helicopters undertook 4,167 flights, a decrease of 344 compared to 2022, according to a Danske Regioner report. These helicopters, particularly vital in remote areas, flew the most in Thisted with 213 trips and Bornholm with 188. The presence of helicopters is crucial for providing rapid specialized medical assistance nationwide, states Mads Duedahl, Deputy Chairman of Danske Regioner. Most patients, 42%, suffered from cardiovascular diseases, experiencing conditions such as cardiac arrest or heart attacks; trauma patients from incidents like traffic accidents were another significant group. Denmark operates four around-the-clock manned helicopters from bases in Ringsted, Billund, Skive, and Saltum, supported by a pilot, emergency doctor, and a helicopter rescuer. This service is a collaboration between the five Danish regions and will expand with four new helicopters by Norsk Luftambulance in summer 2025.