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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 June 2012
Extensive coastlines, varied weather conditions, scattered industrial centers and a large rural population create special problems with regard to the delivery of health care services in the Great Lakes area, which are further complicated by the discrepancies in the level and type of care available within the region. Hospital based helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) providing very specialized life support (VSLS) provides safe and rapid transport for patients needing a higher level of care than is available at the accident scene or local hospitals. This service assists local efforts to meet the medical needs of the population. Air transport systems are an integral part of an EMS system. Even though they are costly, they help avoid duplication of more expensive resources, such as hospitals and personnel.