A descriptive study of trauma patients transported by helicopter emergency medical services to a level one trauma centre

•Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) remains an important option in Africa to address long distance transfers.•There is insufficient evidence to assess the impact of HEMS on outcomes in the setting of Trauma in a LMIC•Further evidence-based research is needed to evaluate Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in a LMIC as far as its impact on significantly shortening the time of transfer to definitive care for patients with time-sensitive medical or surgical conditions.•Evidence-based research should evaluate the impact of HEMS in a LMIC regarding its role in providing specialized medical expertise or equipment to patients before and/or during transport, especially patients who are in inaccessible or obscure environments.