# Improving EMS access: Strategic helicopter infrastructure and 3D virtual training for enhanced ground-air ambulance coordination

## TL;DR

This paper presents a new framework and 3D virtual training platform to improve coordination between ground and helicopter ambulances for faster patient transport.

## Contribution

A novel 3D virtual training platform and data-driven framework for optimizing helicopter EMS infrastructure and training.

## Key findings

- EMS stations and heliports near high-fatality crash locations were insufficient for meeting time thresholds.
- A 3D virtual platform was developed to simulate patient transport scenarios and improve decision-making.
- The framework provides quantitative evidence for policymakers to enhance EMS accessibility.

## Abstract

This study aimed to develop a methodology to strengthen coordination between ground ambulances and helicopter emergency medical services (EMS) for rapid patient transport. Using data on helicopter EMS infrastructure, crash locations, and prehospital EMS times, safety assessments and geographic information system (GIS)-based network analyses were conducted to identify service gaps and prioritize infrastructure expansion. Results showed that EMS stations and heliports near high-fatality crash locations were insufficient to meet prehospital EMS time thresholds. To address this, a three-dimensional virtual space platform combining GIS-based spatial modeling with real-time visualization was developed for training ground and air ambulance operators. This platform realistically simulates patient transport scenarios, enhancing decision-making, and collaboration. The findings provide a data-driven framework for optimizing helicopter EMS infrastructure and developing practical training tools, offering policymakers quantitative evidence to improve EMS accessibility and promote effective strategies for timely patient transport.

•Framework to assess helicopter EMS investment and design a 3D virtual EMS access training•Data-driven safety and GIS analysis for strategic helicopter EMS systems•3D virtual EMS training platform integrating GIS space models and real-time visualization•Research guiding policymakers to balance EMS infrastructure and transport training

Framework to assess helicopter EMS investment and design a 3D virtual EMS access training

Data-driven safety and GIS analysis for strategic helicopter EMS systems

3D virtual EMS training platform integrating GIS space models and real-time visualization

Research guiding policymakers to balance EMS infrastructure and transport training

Data science; earth science; health science