Incidence and Epidemiologic Profile of Time-Sensitive Conditions Requiring Aeromedical Evacuation in the Isolated Areas of Chilean Patagonia

Abstract

Introduction

Chilean Patagonia faces major challenges due to geographic isolation and harsh climate, which limit access to emergency healthcare and result in a heavy reliance on air transport. We aimed to quantify the demand for healthcare and describe the epidemiologic profile of acute, time-sensitive conditions requiring aeromedical evacuation in the Los Lagos and Aysén regions.

Methods

This was a descriptive observational study analyzing aeromedical evacuations to higher levels of care during the 2022-24 period. We included trauma, myocardial infarction, stroke, respiratory failure, obstetric emergencies, psychiatric emergencies, and other clinical conditions. Data from the Emergency Medical Care System of Los Lagos and the Aysén Health Service were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ² tests to compare population-adjusted transfer incidences.

Results

We analyzed 2415 evacuations (57% in Aysén, 43% in Los Lagos). The transfer incidence in Aysén was nearly 12 times higher than in Los Lagos. Severe trauma was the most common cause (15%), followed by acute abdomen (10%) and respiratory diseases (9%). Significant regional differences were found in Aysén, where trauma and respiratory conditions predominated, whereas in Los Lagos, trauma and acute abdomen were most frequent. Older adults in Aysén had the highest incidences per 100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusions

Regional disparities in evacuation rates reveal profound territorial inequalities and logistical barriers. Addressing these systemic failures requires the decentralization of advanced diagnostic tools and the establishment of dedicated aeromedical crews stationed within isolated regions to ensure health equity in Chilean Patagonia.