Articles: emergency-medical-services.
-
Two thirds of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCAs) occur at the patient's home ('at-home-CA'), where bystander CPR (B-CPR) rates are significantly lower than in public locations. Knowledge about the circumstances of this specific setting has mainly been limited to quantitative data. To develop a more conceptual understanding of the circumstances and dynamics of 'at-home CA', we conducted a qualitative interview study. ⋯ Integrating these concepts into dispatch protocols and layperson training may improve dispatcher-bystander interaction and the outcomes of 'at-home CA'.
-
Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are among the most vulnerable populations and experience significant health disparities. Nationally, PEH utilize Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at disproportionately higher rates than their housed peers. Developing optimal strategies to care for PEH has become critically important. However, limited data exists on best practices, challenges, and experiences of providing care to PEH. The objective of this study was to describe the experiences, challenges and perspectives of operational EMS agency medical directors in Los Angeles (LA) County as they confront the homelessness crisis. ⋯ In LA County, EMS agencies experience important operational and clinical challenges in caring for PEH, with limited resources, minimal training, and high rates of substance use disorders and mental health comorbidities. Further prehospital research is essential to standardize documentation of housing status, to identify areas for intervention, increase linkage to services, and define best practices.
-
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and law enforcement (LE) frequently work as a team in encounters with individuals experiencing acute behavioral emergencies manifesting with severe agitation and aggression. The optimal management is a rehearsed, coordinated effort by law enforcement and EMS providing the necessary interventions to address behaviors that endanger the patient, the responders, and the public. ⋯ A coordinated and unified response enhances the safety and effective management of potentially serious situations posed by individuals experiencing such acute behavioral emergencies. This paper provides the framework for an approach endorsed by NAEMSP, IACP, and the IAFC.
-
Observational Study
Investigating the Relationship Between Psychosocial Safety Climate and Mental Illness Stigma Among Emergency Medical Service Clinicians.
To examine the relationship between psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and mental illness stigma among emergency medical service (EMS) clinicians. Despite the presence of mental health services at many EMS agencies, workers often do not seek treatment due to mental illness stigma. To facilitate treatment receipt and maintain a healthy workforce, we must understand factors contributing to stigma. Psychosocial safety climate refers to the degree to which workers perceive that their organization fosters a work environment focused on the protection of psychological health and safety. Despite its relevance, the relationship between PSC and mental illness stigma has yet to be examined. ⋯ Psychosocial safety climate is an important and modifiable intervention target linked to mental illness stigma in EMS clinicians. Organizational policies, practices, and procedures that convey that mental health is valued and should be protected may reduce stigma and facilitate treatment receipt among this high-risk population.