Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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Objective: The management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is time-critical, with a focus on early reperfusion to decrease morbidity and mortality. It is imperative that prehospital clinicians recognize STEMI early and initiate transport to hospitals capable of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a door-to-balloon time of ≤90 minutes. Three patterns have been identified as STEMI equivalents that also likely warrant prompt attention and potentially PCI: Wellens syndrome, De Winter T waves, and aVR ST elevation. ⋯ Again, there were no cases of De Winters T waves. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that there are significant numbers of patients whose prehospital ECG findings do not currently meet criteria for field activation of the cardiac catheterization lab, but who may require prompt catheterization. Further studies are needed to look at outcomes, but these results could support the need for further education of prehospital clinicians regarding recognition of these STEMI equivalents, as well as quality initiatives aimed at decreasing door-to-balloon time for patients with STEMI equivalents.
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Drug overdose deaths have been the leading cause of accidental death in the United States with two thirds involving opioids. Strong evidence supports the efficacy of medications for addiction treatment such as buprenorphine and harm reduction strategies such as naloxone distribution. ⋯ This, in turn, leads to lower mortality. EMS systems which designate specialty centers for overdose patients may show a public health mortality benefit.
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Background: The decision for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel not to transport a patient is challenging: there is a risk of subsequent deterioration but transportation of all patients to hospital would overburden emergency departments. The aim of this large-scale EMS study was to identify factors associated with an increased likelihood of ambulance reattendance within 48 hours in low acuity patients who were not transported by ambulance. Methods: We conducted a 2-year retrospective cohort study using data from the St John New Zealand EMS between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2018 to investigate demographic and clinical associations with ambulance reattendance. ⋯ Non-transported patients with a severe pain score (7-10/10) were at increased likelihood of requiring reattendance (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.33-1.92). Discussion: The overall low rate of EMS reattendance is encouraging. Further research is needed into the clinical presentation of patients requiring ambulance reattendance within 48 hours to determine if there are early warning signs indicative of subsequent deterioration.
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Background: A standardized objective measure of prehospital patient risk of hospitalization or death is needed. The Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS), a validated risk-stratification tool, has not been widely tested for prehospital use. This study's objective was to assess predictive characteristics of initial prehospital REMS for ED disposition and overall patient mortality. ⋯ A score 7 or lower was statistically optimal for predicting survival. Initial prehospital REMS of 7 or lower was associated with a five-fold increase in odds of overall survival (OR:5.41, 95%CI:5.15-5.69). Conclusion: Initial prehospital REMS was predictive of ED disposition and overall patient mortality, suggesting value as a risk-stratification measure for EMS agencies, systems and researchers.