Characteristics of helicopter hoist operations with intubated patients: a retrospective analysis of a Norwegian physician staffed SAR helicopter service

HHOs with intubated patients are rare but increasingly occurring events in our service. Owing to the infrequency, complexity and risk factors involved, these operations should be governed by specific operating procedures and trained regularly to be performed safely. HHOs with intubated patients represents a favourable alternative in situations where terrestrial transport is associated with significant time delay or additional risk to the patient or the rescuers.