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Pediatric prehospital care in a southern regional emergency medical service system
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Medicine.
Insights
Pediatric emergency medical services (EMS) runs account for 6% of all calls, with injuries and motor vehicle accidents being leading causes. Seizures are a surprisingly high reason for pediatric EMS visits.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Care
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ambulance services handle numerous pediatric emergency cases.
- Understanding the epidemiology of pediatric prehospital care is crucial for service improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of pediatric emergency medical service (EMS) utilization.
- To identify key areas for targeted training of EMS personnel for pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 2,302 ambulance run reports.
- Analysis of patient demographics, chief complaints, and injury types within the pediatric age group (<18 years).
Main Results:
- Pediatric patients constituted 6% of all EMS runs.
- Injuries accounted for over 65% of pediatric runs, with motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) at 30%.
- Seizure disorders represented 8% of pediatric calls, a notably high percentage.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric EMS utilization is significant, with injuries and MVAs being primary drivers.
- Higher-than-expected rates of seizures indicate a need for specialized training.
- Targeted training for EMS personnel should focus on MVAs, seizures, poisoning, and upper airway obstruction in children.
Abstract:
A retrospective review of 2,302 ambulance run reports from the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Service System indicated that 6% of all runs are for patients in the pediatric age group (less than 18 years of age). Injuries related to emergencies were responsible for more than 65% of pediatric runs, and 30% were related to motor vehicle accidents. Surprisingly, 8% of calls were for seizure disorders, a figure much higher than in the adult population. Approximately 38% of the runs involved children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Significantly more male than female patients were involved. This descriptive epidemiologic study is antecedent to effective planning and implementation of pediatric prehospital care programs. Training of emergency personnel should be targeted toward treating motor vehicle injuries, seizures, poisoning, and upper airway obstruction in children.