Drowning prevention. A case study in EMS epidemiology

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems primarily focus on treating emergency illnesses and injuries.
• This treatment-centric approach often leads to the neglect of preventive strategies.
• Prevention may offer a more powerful intervention for reducing mortality and morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a shift in EMS system focus from solely treatment to incorporating prevention.
• To highlight the potential of prevention as a more impactful strategy.
• To explore the role of continuous quality improvement (CQI) in recognizing the benefits of prevention.

Main Methods:

• This study is a conceptual analysis and review of EMS system priorities.
• It examines the current focus on treatment versus prevention.
• It discusses the integration of continuous quality improvement (CQI) principles.

Main Results:

• Current EMS systems predominantly concentrate on treatment.
• Preventive strategies are often overlooked or disregarded.
• The adoption of CQI principles is suggested to foster recognition of prevention's advantages.

Conclusions:

• EMS systems should re-evaluate their mission to include a stronger emphasis on prevention.
• Continuous quality improvement (CQI) can facilitate the integration and appreciation of preventive measures.
• A balanced approach prioritizing both prevention and treatment is essential for maximizing public health outcomes.