Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
-
Underutilization of emergency medical services (EMS) for children with high-acuity conditions is poorly understood. Our objective was to identify differences in demographic factors and describe caregivers' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding EMS utilization for children with high-acuity conditions. ⋯ Young age, private insurance status, and greater distance from the hospital were associated with EMS underutilization. Understanding caregiver expectations, knowledge, and perceived barriers may have important implications for the use of EMS for children. These findings reveal opportunities for improved public education on EMS systems to enhance appropriate EMS utilization for children with high acuity conditions.
-
Mortality following shooting is related to time to provision of initial and definitive care. An understanding of the wounding pattern, opportunities for rescue, and incidence of possibly preventable death is needed to achieve the goal of zero preventable deaths following trauma. ⋯ A comprehensive strategy starting with civilian providers to provide care at the point of wounding along with a coordinated public safety approach to rapidly evacuate the wounded may increase survival in future events.
-
The use of emergency medical services (EMS) for diabetes-related events is believed to be substantial but has not been quantified nationally despite the diverse acute complications associated with diabetes. We describe diabetes-related EMS activations in 2015 among people of all ages from 23 U.S. states. ⋯ Diabetes results in a substantial burden on EMS resources. Collection of more detailed diabetes complication information in NEMSIS may help facilitate EMS resource planning and prevention strategies.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the Force Required for Dislodgement Between Secured and Unsecured Airways.
Airway device placement and maintenance are of utmost importance when managing critically ill patients. The best method to secure airway devices is currently unknown. ⋯ Compared with a secured device, an unsecured airway device requires only half the force to cause airway dislodgement. The secured King had the highest dislodgement force relative to the other studied devices.
-
Comparative Study
A Prospective Before and After Study of Droperidol for Prehospital Acute Behavioral Disturbance.
Acute behavioral disturbance is a common problem for emergency medical services. We aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of droperidol compared to midazolam in the prehospital setting. ⋯ The use of droperidol for acute behavioral disturbance in the prehospital setting is associated with fewer adverse events, a shorter time to sedation, and fewer requirements for additional sedation.