Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Computerized Adaptive Testing System of Functional Assessment of Stroke
Published on: January 7, 2019
An Emergency Medical Technician Administered Falls-Assessment Protocol to Safely Identify Elderly Adults with
Paul Hutchinson1,2, Alexandra Nadeau3, Eric Mercier3,4
1Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Sherbrooke - Centre de Recherche sur le vieillissement, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke.
Background:
Approximately two-thirds of patients transported to emergency departments (ED) for a fall are discharged from the ED without urgent treatment. This pilot study tests the feasibility of implementing a pre-hospital falls-assessment protocol performed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to determine whether a patient who fell needs an ED assessment or could be referred safely to a community resource.
Methods:
The protocol was administered by trained EMTs to adults aged ≥ 65 after a fall between October 2019 and March 2020 in Sherbrooke (QC). All patients were transported to ED regardless of protocol outcome (transport recommended/not recommended). The objective was to assess if EMTs could complete the protocol and make the appropriate decision concerning the transport to ED. Secondary objectives aimed to assess the accuracy in identifying patients who do not require transport, and to measure the impact on avoidable ambulance transports.
Results:
A total of 125 EMTs interventions were carried out: 17 patients were in the transport not recommended group, representing 14% of transport to hospital for falls-related EMTs calls that could be possibly avoided. Of these, 110 were transported to ED. Mean duration of on-site EMTs interventions was of 31 minutes. Forty-seven patients were admitted, mostly for infections and fractures, including four in the transport not recommended group.
Conclusions:
This study showed that EMTs can administer a falls-assessment protocol aimed at identifying patients that need an ED evaluation. Results permitted to amend the protocol before the second phase of the project evaluating the safety of the protocol.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:29Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:05Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...