Emergency Call Characteristics and EMS Dispatcher Protocol Adherence for Possible Anaphylaxis

Area of Science:

• Emergency medicine
• Public health
• Medical dispatch

Background:

• Anaphylaxis requires immediate recognition and treatment.
• Limited data exists on 9-1-1 calls for allergic reactions and dispatcher protocol adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate demographic characteristics of patients calling 9-1-1 for allergic reactions.
• Assess emergency medical services (EMS) dispatcher adherence to national protocols for suspected allergic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 146 dispatch calls for allergic reactions or difficulty breathing.
• Analysis of dispatcher adherence to Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) protocols.
• Classification of calls for anaphylaxis criteria, demographics, and triggers.

Main Results:

• Only 12.3% of calls met anaphylaxis criteria.
• Food allergies were common historically; medications were suspected triggers.
• Dispatchers inconsistently followed MPDS guidelines, particularly regarding severe allergy history and prescribed epinephrine.

Conclusions:

• Most 9-1-1 calls for allergic reactions do not meet anaphylaxis criteria.
• EMS dispatchers demonstrated low adherence to MPDS guidelines for identifying anaphylaxis.
• Further research is needed to validate findings in other EMS regions.