Articles: emergency-services.
-
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ambulance divert in our EMS system reached critical levels. We hypothesized that eliminating ambulance divert would not be associated with an increase in the average number of daily ambulance arrivals. Our study objective was to quantify the EMS and emergency department (ED) effects of eliminating ambulance divert during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Elimination of ambulance divert was not associated with increases in the number of mean daily ambulance arrivals or EMS turnaround intervals, delays in ESI 2 patients being placed in beds, or prolonged time to head CT in stroke code patients.
-
Multicenter Study
Racial Inequities in Police Transport for Patients to the Emergency Department: A Multicenter Analysis.
Police involvement in patient transport to emergency medical care has increased over time, yet studies assessing racial inequities in transport are limited. This study evaluated the relationship between race and police transport to the emergency department for adult patients. ⋯ This analysis revealed racial inequities in police-involved transport to emergency medical care, highlighting an urgent need to evaluate drivers of inequities and the ways in which police transport influences clinical outcomes.
-
In many parts of the world, emergency medical services (EMS) clinical care is traditionally delivered by different levels or types of EMS clinicians, such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. In some areas, physicians are also included among the cadre of professionals administering EMS-based care. ⋯ NAEMSP first published recommendations regarding what some of these competencies should be in 1983 and subsequently updated those recommendations in 2002. This document is an updated work, given the evolution of the field.
-
Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) personnel provide on-scene trauma care to patients with high mortality risk. Work in the HEMS setting is characterized by frequent exposure to critical incidents and other stressors. The aim of this study was to further our understanding of the factors underlying HEMS personnel wellbeing to inform organizations regarding workplace interventions that can be implemented to support employees. ⋯ This study identifies factors and strategies that support the wellbeing of HEMS personnel. It also provides insight into the HEMS work culture and help-seeking behavior in this population. Findings from this study may benefit employers by shedding much-needed light on factors that HEMS personnel feel affect wellbeing.
-
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.