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Pattern of basic life support ambulance use in an urban pediatric population
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Inappropriate use of basic life support (BLS) ambulances for pediatric patients is common, costing millions and potentially disrupting emergency medical services (EMS). Public education and alternative transport options could improve care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Basic life support (BLS) ambulance utilization in pediatric emergency medical services (EMS) requires evaluation.
- Understanding patterns of BLS ambulance use is crucial for optimizing pediatric emergency care delivery.
- Inappropriate transport may strain resources and impact community-wide EMS availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the utilization patterns of BLS ambulances for pediatric patients.
- To identify instances of inappropriate BLS ambulance transport in a pediatric population.
- To assess the financial and operational implications of inappropriate BLS ambulance use.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of emergency medical service (EMS) and pediatric emergency department (PED) records.
- Analysis of ambulance transports for children to an urban hospital's PED over a 1-month period.
- Defined criteria for inappropriate BLS transport, including lack of intervention and minimal PED treatment.
Main Results:
- Out of 238 eligible pediatric transports, 105 (44%) were deemed inappropriate BLS uses.
- Inappropriate transports incurred significant costs, totaling over $26,000 in the study period.
- Trauma represented the most frequent reason for transport, with 48% of these being inappropriate.
- Patients on federal assistance showed higher rates of inappropriate BLS transport compared to commercially insured or self-pay patients.
Conclusions:
- Inappropriate BLS ambulance transport of pediatric patients is a prevalent issue.
- This misuse leads to substantial financial burdens and can hinder efficient EMS resource allocation.
- Targeted public education and the development of alternative transportation solutions are recommended to mitigate inappropriate BLS use and enhance EMS system performance.