A socioeconomic equity measured by Indices of Multiple Deprivation for HEMS-attended major trauma in South East England: heterogenous effects in severe traumatic brain injury

This study aimed to investigate whether 30-day mortality rates for major trauma patients attended by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) differ across socioeconomic deprivation quintiles in South East England. The findings revealed no significant differences in mortality rates or service provision across these quintiles, suggesting that HEMS may help mitigate health inequalities in major trauma. However, the authors noted a significant interaction between Glasgow Coma Scale scores and deprivation in traumatic brain injury cases, indicating the need for further exploration of age-dependent variations.