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Out-of-hospital paediatric emergencies: a prospective, population-based study

H Harve1, H Salmi2,3, E Rahiala2

  • 1Emergency Medical Services, Department of Emergency Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|October 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric out-of-hospital emergencies are uncommon, with falls and respiratory issues being most frequent. Emergency medical services (EMS) training should focus on these common scenarios for better pediatric emergency care.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Care
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Understanding the population-level incidence, distribution, and characteristics of pediatric out-of-hospital emergency care is crucial.
  • This knowledge can inform improvements in emergency medical services (EMS) design and personnel education.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence, distribution, and characteristics of pediatric out-of-hospital emergency care.
  • To provide data that can enhance EMS strategies and training for pediatric emergencies.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-month study (2012) analyzed all EMS responses for pediatric patients (0-16 years) in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Data included patient demographics, diagnoses, treatment, procedures, vital signs, and outcomes for 1863 cases.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of EMS-treated pediatric emergencies was 3.8/1000 inhabitants (20/1000 for 1-16 year olds), comprising 4.5% of all emergency calls.
  • Falls, dyspnea, seizures, and poisonings were the most common reasons for calls, accounting for half of all emergencies.
  • Life-threatening conditions were rare; only 56% of patients required ambulance transport, and few non-transported patients sought subsequent emergency care.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric out-of-hospital emergencies are infrequent and distinct from adult emergencies.
  • EMS design and training should prioritize the evaluation and management of the most common pediatric emergency situations.
Abstract

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