Validation of the Chilean version of the "Workplace Violence in the Health Sector" questionnaire in the prehospital care setting / Validación de la versión chilena del cuestionario "Workplace Violence in the Health Sector" en la atención prehospitalaria

Abstract Introduction: Workplace violence is becoming increasingly frequent in the health sector. Therefore, valid and reliable instruments are required to measure this phenomenon. Objective: To validate the factor structure of the Spanish version of the "Workplace Violence in the Health Sector" questionnaire in Chilean prehospital care workers. Material and methods: Quantitative, multivariate study in which the main components of the Spanish version of the questionnaire were analyzed. After being reviewed by experts and conducting a pilot test, 6 questions were eliminated. The adapted version was administered to 74 health professionals (nurses-kinesiologists) and 148 paramedics working in prehospital care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (chi-square test). The SPSS v15 software was used to perform data analysis and the principal component analysis (PCA). Results: The questionnaire had a high overall reliability (α=0.912). According to the PCA, three factors were identified, namely, physical violence (eigenvalue: 8.3), verbal abuse (eigenvalue: 3.7) and mobbing or workplace harassment (eigenvalue: 3.6), which explain 86% of the variance. Conclusions: The proposed instrument is valid for measuring workplace violence among health professionals working in prehospital care. Having a validated tool to quantify this phenomenon in the country is a significant contribution since it allows carrying out similar studies in other health areas and, based on the results, work on its prevention and the promotion of healthier work environments.

Resumen Introducción. La violencia laboral es cada día más frecuente en el sector de la salud. Por ello, se requieren instrumentos válidos y confiables para poder medir este fenómeno. Objetivo. Validar la estructura factorial de la versión traducida al español del cuestionario "Workplace Violence in the Health Sector" en trabajadores de la atención prehospitalaria de Chile. Material y métodos. Estudio cuantitativo-multivariado. Se realizó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP) de la versión traducida al español del cuestionario. Luego de ser revisada por expertos y de realizar una prueba piloto, se eliminaron 6 preguntas y la versión adaptada fue aplicada a 74 profesionales sanitarios (enfermeros-kinesiólogos) y 148 técnicos paramédicos que trabajaban en atención prehospitalaria. Para el análisis de los datos se aplicó estadística descriptiva y estadística inferencial (prueba x2). El programa SPSS v15 se utilizó para realizar el análisis de los datos y el ACP. Resultados. El cuestionario tuvo una alta contabilidad total (α=0.912). De acuerdo con el ACP se evidenciaron tres factores -violencia física (valor propio: 8.3), abuso verbal (valor propio 3.7) y mobbing o acoso laboral (valor propio: de 3.6)- que explican el 86% de la varianza. Conclusiones. El instrumento propuesto es válido para medir la violencia laboral en personal de la salud que se desempeña en atención prehospitalaria. Además, contar con una herramienta validada que permita cuantificar este fenómeno en el país es un aporte significativo, pues es posible realizar estudios similares en otras áreas de la salud y, a partir de sus resultados, trabajar en su prevención y en la promoción de ambientes laborales más saludables.

Asociación entre tiempo de atención pre hospitalaria y la mortalidad hospitalaria en víctimas de accidentes de tránsito / Association Between Pre-Hospital Care Time And Hospital Mortality In Victims Of Traffic Accidents

Introduccion: Los accidentes de tránsito (AT) se encuentran como la primera prioridad en investigación de salud en el Perú, Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) se estima que los costos económicos por impacto de vehículos y lesiones por AT son de 1% y 1.5% del Producto Nacional Bruto (PNB) en países de bajos y medianos ingresos; En el Perú es aproximadamente el 1.5 ­ 2% del Producto Bruto Interno (PBI). Objetivo: Determinar si existe asociación entre el tiempo de atención prehospitalaria y la mortalidad hospitalaria en víctimas de accidentes de tránsito. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática mediante la búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos relacionados en fuentes de indexación tales como PubMed y BIREME. Resultados: Los retrasos en las transferencias de pacientes al hospital y la falta Sistema Médico de Emergencia (SME) pre hospitalarios se asociaron significativamente con un aumento de la mortalidad (P: 0.000) así mismo la necesidad de un SME como proveedor de atención prehospitalaria fue predictor significativo de mortalidad en emergencia con un odds ratio [OR] ajustado 2.19; IC del 95% [1.88­2.55], y en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso con un OR ajustado 2.31; IC del 95% [ 1.95­2.73]. Conclusión: El tiempo de atención pre hospitalaria en accidentes de tránsito se encuentra significativamente asociada a la mortalidad hospitalaria, por ello, se propone estudiar factores asociados al largo tiempo de atención pre hospitalaria.

Introduction: Traffic accidents (AT) are the first priority in health research in Peru, According to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is estimated that the economic costs of vehicle impact and injuries due to AT are 1 % and 1.5% of the Gross National Product (GNP) in low and middle income countries; In Peru it is approximately 1.5 - 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Objective: To determine if there is an association between the time of prehospital care and hospital mortality in victims of traffic accidents. Methods: A systematic review was carried out through the literature search of related articles in indexing sources such as PubMed and BIREME. Results: Delays in the transfer of patients to the hospital and the lack of pre-hospital Emergency Medical System (SME) were significantly associated with an increase in mortality (P: 0.000) and the need for an SME as a prehospital care provider was significant predictor of emergency mortality with an adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.19; 95% CI [1.88­2.55], and in the first 24 hours of admission with an adjusted OR 2.31; 95% CI [1.95­2.73]. Conclusion: The time of pre-hospital care in traffic accidents is significantly associated with hospital mortality, therefore, it is proposed to study factors associated with the longtime of pre-hospital care.

Clinical and obstetric situation of pregnant women who require prehospital emergency care / Situación clínica y obstétrica de gestantes que solicitan el servicio médico de urgencia prehospitalaria / Situação clínica e obstétrica de gestantes que solicitam o serviço médico de emergência pré-hospitalar

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the clinical and obstetric situation of pregnant women who required emergency care, considering the adequacy of their requirement. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study, developed in the headquarters of the Mobile Emergency Care Services from a state in the Brazilian Northeast, through the analysis of 558 reports of obstetric patients attended in 2016. The magnitude of the associations was expressed by odds ratio and confidence intervals, considering a 5% significance level. Results: more than half (50.9%) requirements for emergency care were from women who went into labor (non-expulsive), especially among third trimester pregnant women (p < 0.000). Most clinical and obstetric parameters were normal. Conclusions: the inadequate demands for emergency care services reflect the excessive medicalization of the gestational process and shows how important it is to discuss the physiological symptoms that involve pregnancy, so that a more egalitarian and efficient urgency service can be offered.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar la situación clínica y obstétrica de gestantes que solicitan atención de urgencia, considerándose la pertinencia de la solicitación. Métodos: estudio transversal, desarrollado en la sede del Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencia de un estado nordestino, por intermedio del análisis de 558 informes de atenciones obstétricas de 2016. La magnitud de las asociaciones ha sido expresa por la razón de oportunidades e intervalo de confianza, considerándose nivel de acepción de 5%. Resultados: más de la mitad (50,9%) de las solicitaciones de atención de urgencia ha se dado por quejas de trabajo de parto (sin carácter expulsivo), sobretodo entre gestantes en el tercero trimestre gestacional (p < 0,000). Se observó la predominancia de parámetros clínicos y obstétricos dentro de la normalidad. Conclusiones: la demanda no pertinente al servicio de urgencia refleja la medicalización desmedida del proceso gestacional, mostrando la importancia de la discusión sobre síntomas fisiológicos que envuelven la gravidez, para proporcionar un servicio de urgencia más equitativo y eficiente.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar a situação clínica e obstétrica de gestantes que solicitam atendimento de urgência, considerando-se a pertinência da solicitação. Métodos: estudo transversal, desenvolvido na sede do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência de um estado nordestino, por intermédio da análise de 558 relatórios de atendimentos obstétricos de 2016. A magnitude das associações foi expressa pela razão de chances e intervalo de confiança, considerando-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: mais da metade (50,9%) das solicitações de atendimento de urgência deu-se por queixas de trabalho de parto (sem caráter expulsivo), sobretudo entre gestantes no terceiro trimestre gestacional (p < 0,000). Observou-se predominância de parâmetros clínicos e obstétricos dentro da normalidade. Conclusões: a demanda não pertinente ao serviço de urgência reflete a medicalização desmedida do processo gestacional, mostrando a importância da discussão sobre sintomas fisiológicos que envolvem a gravidez, para proporcionar um serviço de urgência mais equitativo e eficiente.

Clinical and obstetric situation of pregnant women who require prehospital emergency care / Situación clínica y obstétrica de gestantes que solicitan el servicio médico de urgencia prehospitalaria / Situação clínica e obstétrica de gestantes que solicitam o serviço médico de emergência pré-hospitalar

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify the clinical and obstetric situation of pregnant women who required emergency care, considering the adequacy of their requirement. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study, developed in the headquarters of the Mobile Emergency Care Services from a state in the Brazilian Northeast, through the analysis of 558 reports of obstetric patients attended in 2016. The magnitude of the associations was expressed by odds ratio and confidence intervals, considering a 5% significance level. Results: more than half (50.9%) requirements for emergency care were from women who went into labor (non-expulsive), especially among third trimester pregnant women (p < 0.000). Most clinical and obstetric parameters were normal. Conclusions: the inadequate demands for emergency care services reflect the excessive medicalization of the gestational process and shows how important it is to discuss the physiological symptoms that involve pregnancy, so that a more egalitarian and efficient urgency service can be offered.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar la situación clínica y obstétrica de gestantes que solicitan atención de urgencia, considerándose la pertinencia de la solicitación. Métodos: estudio transversal, desarrollado en la sede del Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencia de un estado nordestino, por intermedio del análisis de 558 informes de atenciones obstétricas de 2016. La magnitud de las asociaciones ha sido expresa por la razón de oportunidades e intervalo de confianza, considerándose nivel de acepción de 5%. Resultados: más de la mitad (50,9%) de las solicitaciones de atención de urgencia ha se dado por quejas de trabajo de parto (sin carácter expulsivo), sobretodo entre gestantes en el tercero trimestre gestacional (p < 0,000). Se observó la predominancia de parámetros clínicos y obstétricos dentro de la normalidad. Conclusiones: la demanda no pertinente al servicio de urgencia refleja la medicalización desmedida del proceso gestacional, mostrando la importancia de la discusión sobre síntomas fisiológicos que envuelven la gravidez, para proporcionar un servicio de urgencia más equitativo y eficiente.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar a situação clínica e obstétrica de gestantes que solicitam atendimento de urgência, considerando-se a pertinência da solicitação. Métodos: estudo transversal, desenvolvido na sede do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência de um estado nordestino, por intermédio da análise de 558 relatórios de atendimentos obstétricos de 2016. A magnitude das associações foi expressa pela razão de chances e intervalo de confiança, considerando-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: mais da metade (50,9%) das solicitações de atendimento de urgência deu-se por queixas de trabalho de parto (sem caráter expulsivo), sobretudo entre gestantes no terceiro trimestre gestacional (p < 0,000). Observou-se predominância de parâmetros clínicos e obstétricos dentro da normalidade. Conclusões: a demanda não pertinente ao serviço de urgência reflete a medicalização desmedida do processo gestacional, mostrando a importância da discussão sobre sintomas fisiológicos que envolvem a gravidez, para proporcionar um serviço de urgência mais equitativo e eficiente.

Analysis of the disease spectrum of Beijing 120 prehospital emergency patients from 2013 to 2017 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To understand the disease spectrum of prehospital emergency patients in Beijing, so as to provide basis for rational allocation of prehospital emergency care resources and for improvement of prehospital emergency care. Methods Emergency dispatch database from 120 dispatching command system of Beijing Emergency Medical Center to was used study the disease spectrum of 120 prehospital emergency patients from 2013 to 2017 in Beijing, and were analyzed the differences of disease spectrum among patients of different years, genders and ages, and the time distribution of different diseases. Results From 2013 to 2017 in Beijing, 1 643 375 patients used 120 prehospital emergency care. The top 3 diseases of the disease spectrum were: injury and poisoning (29.63%), diseases of the circulatory system (18.37%), and diseases of the nervous system (15.80%). The sorting of diseases remained unchanged during the 5 years. The disease spectrums were different among different age groups and gender groups. The calls in spring, summer, autumn and winter accounted for 25.23%, 24.97%, 25.05% and 24.75% respectively. Most calls were made from 08 ∶〗00 to 09 ∶〗59 (12.41%), 12 ∶〗00 to 13 ∶〗59 (10.05%), and 14 ∶〗00 to 15 ∶〗59 (9.91%) during a day. The peak months and hours of different diseases were different. Conclusions The demand for prehospital emergency care has been increasing in Beijing in recent years. It is important to strengthen the prevention of injuries among all ages, especially male, and to improve the prevention and response capacity for acute attack of chronic diseases among older people. Prehospital emergency care resources should be rationally allocated according to the peak months and hours of calls.

Drowning in swimming pools: clinical features and safety recommendations based on a study of descriptive records by emergency medical services attending to 995 calls

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>This study was a descriptive analysis of national ambulance case records and aimed to make practical safety recommendations in order to reduce the incidence of drowning in swimming pools.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A search was performed of a national database of descriptive summaries by first-responder paramedics of all 995 calls made to the Singapore Civil Defence Force between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014. We included all cases of submersion in both public and private pools for which emergency medical services were activated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The highest proportion of drowning cases occurred in the age group of 0-9 years. Males accounted for 57.0% (61/107) of cases. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed in 91.3% (21/23) and 68.6% (48/70) of cases of cardiac/respiratory arrest from drowning in public and private pools, respectively; the rate of bystander CPR was higher when a lifeguard was present (88.5%, 23/26 vs. 68.7%, 46/67). The majority (72.0%, 77/107) of drowning incidents occurred in private pools, most of which had no lifeguards present.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>To our knowledge, this study was the first in Singapore to examine data from emergency medical services. Since the majority of incidents occurred in private pools without lifeguards, it is recommended that a lifeguard be present at every pool. For pools that are too small to justify mandatory lifeguard presence, safety measures, such as guidelines for pool design and pool fencing with latched gates, may be considered. As strict enforcement may not be possible, public education and parental vigilance remain vital.</p>

Prevalence Of Low-Back Pain Among Public Ambulance Workers In Kelantan, Malaysia

This study is to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of low-back pain (LBP), which has multifactorial causes, among ambulance workers in Kelantan, Malaysia. The cross-sectional study involved ambulance workers in the emergency department in all government hospitals in Kelantan. Those who did not consent, complete or return the questionnaire as well as having rheumatic diseases were excluded from the study. The participants were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire in English. Descriptive analyses and Chi-square test were used. A total of 168 respondents had completed the questionnaires with a response rate of 85.0%. Questionnaires with more than 95.0% items completed were included in the analysis (n=143). The respondents had a higher proportion of male than female (63.6% versus 36.4%). Assistant Medical Officer comprised of 60.0% of all respondents and the rest were nurses. The respondents’ age ranged between 23 to 58 years old with a mean age of 38.27 and standard deviation (SD) of 7.27. The mean duration of involvement in ambulance service was 9.68 years (SD 6.97). The majority (98.5%) of the respondents were Malay. Gender, smoking status and hobbies were the associated factors of LBP among ambulance workers. The modifiable risk factors should be emphasized to the ambulance workers as a measure to prevent the development of LBP.

Factores asociados a las demandas psiquiátricas a los servicios de urgencias prehospitalarios de Málaga (España) / Factors related to psychiatric calls to the Prehospital Emergency Care Services in Málaga (Spain)

Resumen: Introducción: En los últimos años se ha producido un importante aumento de la demanda asistencial de urgencias a nivel prehospitalario. Objetivo: El presente estudio tiene como objetivo principal identificar las variables asociadas a las demandas clasificadas como psiquiátricas a los Servicios de Urgencia y Emergencias Médicos Prehospitalarios (SUEMP) de la provincia de Málaga. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de las demandas registradas en la base de datos informatizada (computarizada) del Centro Coordinador de Urgencias y Emergencias durante un año (N = 163 331). Se han considerado: 1) variables sociodemográficas: la edad y el sexo, y 2) variables relacionadas con la demanda: la franja horaria, el tipo de día, el trimestre del año, el sujeto alertante, el número de recursos movilizados, el número de personas atendidas y si hubo trasporte sanitario. Para la comparación de las variables se empleó la prueba χ2. También se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariante. Resultados: El 7% de las demandas a los SUEMP se clasificaron como psiquiátricas. Entre las variables relacionadas con las demandas psiquiátricas se encontraron tener menor edad, ser mujer, demanda realizada por la noche y la tarde, menor número de personas atendidas, que la alerta no fuera efectuada por el propio usuario y la no realización de traslado sanitario. Discusión y conclusión: Las demandas por problemas de salud mental presentan características diferenciales al resto de demandas a los SUEMP, lo que hay que tener en cuenta para mejorar la atención a dichos pacientes.

Abstract: Introduction: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for prehospital emergency care in different countries. Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the variables associated with psychiatric calls to the Prehospital Emergency Care Services (PECS) in the province of Malaga. Method: An observational retrospective study based on calls made to the PECS and registered in the computerized database of the Coordination Emergency Centre during one year (N = 163 331). Independent variables included 1. sociodemographic variables: sex and age; and 2. variables related with the characteristics of each call: time of day, type of day, time of year, caller identification, number of resources needed, number of patients attended and type of solution. The χ2 test was used to compare of the variables. A multivariant logistic regression analysis was also carried out. Results: Psychiatric calls accounted for 7% of the total calls and were associated with: younger age, female gender, calls made in the evenings and afternoons, a lower number of patients attended, the call being performed by other individual calling on the patient's behalf, and no ambulance transportation. Discussion and conclusion: The calls concerned with mental health problems have specific characteristics which need to be taken into account in order to provide a better care for psychiatric patients.

Reduced Mortality by Physician-Staffed HEMS Dispatch for Adult Blunt Trauma Patients in Korea

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of domestic physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the transport of patients with severe trauma to a hospital. The study included patients with blunt trauma who were transported to our hospital by physician-staffed HEMS (Group P; n = 100) or nonphysician-staffed HEMS (Group NP; n = 80). Basic patient characteristics, transport time, treatment procedures, and medical treatment outcomes assessed using the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were compared between groups. We also assessed patients who were transported to the hospital within 3 h of injury in Groups P (Group P3; n = 50) and NP (Group NP3; n = 74). The severity of injury was higher, transport time was longer, and time from hospital arrival to operation room transfer was shorter for Group P than for Group NP (P < 0.001). Although Group P patients exhibited better medical treatment outcomes compared with Group NP, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.134 vs. 0.730). However, the difference in outcomes was statistically significant between Groups P3 and NP3 (P = 0.035 vs. 0.546). Under the current domestic trauma patient transport system in South Korea, physician-staffed HEMS are expected to increase the survival of patients with severe trauma. In particular, better treatment outcomes are expected if dedicated trauma resuscitation teams actively intervene in the medical treatment process from the transport stage and if patients are transported to a hospital to receive definitive care within 3 hours of injury.

As unidades de pronto-atendimento na política nacional de atenção às urgências / The emergency care units in the national policy for emergency

A Política Nacional de Atenção às Urgências foi fruto de grande insatisfação com o atendimento nas emergências hospitalares. As UPAs constituíram o principal componente de atendimento pré-hospitalar fixo da política. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar as portarias ministeriais que regulamentaram a criação das UPAs, procurando compreender seu padrão de implantação. Foram analisadas as portarias que regulamentaram as UPAs entre 2008 e 2013, à luz da Teoria da Estruturação, de Giddens. No conjunto, essas portarias expressam a pretensão de que as UPAs fossem instaladas de forma estratégica para a configuração de redes de atenção às urgências, propondo diferenciação em relação aos pronto-socorros produtores de "consultas de emergência". No entanto, o padrão de implantação das UPAs foi de expansão acelerada, sem efetiva organização em rede, projetando suspeita de uma reprodução do modelo tradicional de pronto-socorros. A esfera federal destacou-se pela intensa produção normativa, assumindo forte papel indutor. A significativa adesão das unidades da federação explica a ampla legitimação, enquanto modalidade da estruturação, alcançada por essa política. Assim, a convergência de interesses em torno da UPA permitiu rápida expansão e enorme aporte de recursos para essa política, apesar de essa estratégia pouco agregar para o enfrentamento dos problemas da atenção às urgências.

The National Policy for Emergency was the result of great dissatisfaction with care in emergency departments. The UPA's (emergency care units) were the main component of fixed pre-hospital care policy. This study aimed to analyze the ministerial decrees that regulated the creation of UPA's, trying to understand their deployment pattern. The ordinances were analyzed that regulated UPA's between 2008 and 2013 in the light of Structuring Theory, by Giddens. Taken together, these ordinances express the claim that the UPA's were installed strategically to the configuration of the emergency care networks, offering differentiation from emergency rooms producers of "emergency consultations". However, the pattern of deployment of UPA's was accelerated expansion without effective network organization, arising suspicion of reproduction of the traditional model of emergency rooms. The federal level was highlighted by the intense production rules, taking strong inducing role. The significant participation of units of the federation explains the wide legitimacy, as a method of structuring achieved by this policy. The convergence of interests around the UPA's allowed rapid expansion and huge allocation of resources to this policy, even though this little add strategy to face the problems of attention to emergency rooms.

Agreement of Medical Directors for Indirect Medical Oversight on Prehospital Care

PURPOSE: The medical director is a core factor in maintaining high quality emergency medical services. This study was conducted to evaluate the agreement of medical oversight for prehospital emergency care between medical directors. METHODS: Two medical directors assessed the same 119 rescue run sheets with 28 cases of cardiac arrest, 12 cases of withhold or interruption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 22 cases of severe trauma. The assessment for prehospital evaluation of patients, treatment and medical direction was compared between the two medical directors, RESULTS: The use of an automated external defibrillator in cardiac arrest that was assessed as appropriate was 17/28, 22/28, respectively. In assessing for withhold or interruption of CPR, one medical director assessed as all appropriate for checking for pulse, respiration, and mental status regardless of recording on a 119 rescue runsheet, but the other medical director as inappropriate if there are no records on the runsheet. The assessment for airway treatment, aid for circulation, appropriateness of treatment for trauma, and appropriateness of medical direction in severe trauma differed between the two medical directors. CONCLUSION: Some differences were found in assessing the prehospital care between medical directors. A quality program for improving agreement between medical directors is necessary and the protocol for prehospital care should be modified according to the local situation.

The Usefulness of the Kurashiki Prehospital Stroke Scale in Identifying Thrombolytic Candidates in Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE: The severity of a stroke cannot be described by widely used prehospital stroke scales. We investigated the usefulness of the Kurashiki Prehospital Stroke Scale (KPSS) for assessing the severity of stroke, compared to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), in candidate patients for intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolysis who arrived at the hospital within 6 hours of symptom onset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospective registry database of consecutive patients included in the Emergency Stroke Therapy program. In the emergency department, the KPSS was assessed by emergency medical technicians. A cutoff KPSS score was estimated for candidates of thrombolysis by comparing KPSS and NIHSS scores, as well as for patients who actually received thrombolytic therapy. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients around the estimated cut-off. The independent predictors of outcomes were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Excellent correlations were demonstrated between KPSS and NIHSS within 6 hours (R=0.869) and 3 hours (R=0.879) of hospital admission. The optimal threshold value was a score of 3 on the KPSS in patients within 3 hours and 6 hours by Youden's methods. Significant associations with a KPSS score > or =3 were revealed for actual intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) usage [odds ratio (OR) 125.598; 95% confidence interval (CI) 16.443-959.368, p<0.0001] and actual IV-tPA or intra-arterial urokinase (IA-UK) usage (OR 58.733; 95% CI 17.272-199.721, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The KPSS is an effective prehospital stroke scale for identifying candidates for IV-tPA and IA-UK, as indicated by excellent correlation with the NIHSS, in the assessment of stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke.

Considerations for Possibility of Anti-convulsants in Prehospital Stage

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the chief complaint addressing seizure in 119 run-sheets and to estimate the frequency of recommended administration of prehospital anti-convulsants. METHODS: A retrospective medical review of the period from 1 January, 2007 to 1 December, 2012 at one university hospital was conducted. Patients who were transported by 119 ambulance and whose chief complaint addressing seizure were enrolled. Medical records were independently reviewed by two emergency physicians. The reliability was analyzed according to the level of prehospital providers. prehospital providers. The operational definition of prehospital status epilepticus was cases with prolonged (lasting five minutes or more) or repetitive generalized convulsive seizures and seizure witnessed by 119 providers or persistent seizure at the time of arrival at the hospital. RESULTS: Among 239 medical records, 188(78.7%) cases with seizure were identified. The reliability was increased when level I emergency medical technicians were staffed(90.6% vs 74.3%). Psychiatric disorders(4.6%) and hyperventilation syndrome(3.8%) were frequently confused with seizure. Prehospital anti-convulsants were recommended in 15 cases(6.3%). CONCLUSION: Chief complaints addressing seizure by 119 prehospital providers were reliable. Not only rarity of prehospital status epilepticus but also other medical and legal barriers should be considered in regard to the possibility of prehospital anti-convulsant administration.

Considerations for Possibility of Anti-convulsants in Prehospital Stage

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the chief complaint addressing seizure in 119 run-sheets and to estimate the frequency of recommended administration of prehospital anti-convulsants. METHODS: A retrospective medical review of the period from 1 January, 2007 to 1 December, 2012 at one university hospital was conducted. Patients who were transported by 119 ambulance and whose chief complaint addressing seizure were enrolled. Medical records were independently reviewed by two emergency physicians. The reliability was analyzed according to the level of prehospital providers. prehospital providers. The operational definition of prehospital status epilepticus was cases with prolonged (lasting five minutes or more) or repetitive generalized convulsive seizures and seizure witnessed by 119 providers or persistent seizure at the time of arrival at the hospital. RESULTS: Among 239 medical records, 188(78.7%) cases with seizure were identified. The reliability was increased when level I emergency medical technicians were staffed(90.6% vs 74.3%). Psychiatric disorders(4.6%) and hyperventilation syndrome(3.8%) were frequently confused with seizure. Prehospital anti-convulsants were recommended in 15 cases(6.3%). CONCLUSION: Chief complaints addressing seizure by 119 prehospital providers were reliable. Not only rarity of prehospital status epilepticus but also other medical and legal barriers should be considered in regard to the possibility of prehospital anti-convulsant administration.

Validation of Pre-Hospital Stroke Screens by Ambulance Service Personnel: A Prospective Observation Study

PURPOSE: We evaluated the validity of Pre-Hospital stroke screening (PHSS) by 119 ambulance rescuers in Korea. METHODS: Patients at least 20 years old with presumed stroke were transported to six emergency medical centers and prospectively enrolled during a 12-month period. A total of 119 ambulance rescuers applied the Cincinnati Pre-Hospital Stroke Scale (CPHSS) and the Los Angeles Pre-Hospital Stroke Screen (LAPHSS). Emergency physicians (EPs) further assessed the patients with CPHSS and LAPHSS. The final diagnoses were divided into stroke and other disease categories through a review of hospital records. The sensitivity and specificity of the two screening tools were analyzed for predicting stroke. The CPHSS and LAPHSS scores from all patients were compared between the 119 ambulance rescuers and EPs. RESULTS: The 119 ambulance rescuers referred 348 suspected stroke patients, of whom 164(47.1%) had their stroke confirmed. For all kinds of stroke, the sensitivity and specificity of the CPHSS were 86.3%[95% confidence interval (CI) 58.6~76.1] and 65.9%(95% CI 57.0~74.0), respectively, and those of the LAPHSS were 70%(95% CI 61.0~78.0) and 67.8%(95% CI 58.6~76.1), respectively. The Kappa value between the 119 ambulance rescuers and EPs was k=0.619(95% CI 0.523~0.715) for the CPHSS and k=0.392(95% CI 0.275~0.510) for the LAPHSS. CONCLUSION: CPHSS and LAPSS performed by 119 ambulance rescuers had considerable validity in Korea.

Effectiveness of Indirect Medical Oversight on the Quality of Prehospital Emergency Care by Emergency Medical Technicians

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of indirect medical oversight on the quality of prehospital emergency care by emergency medical technicians. METHODS: Indirect medical oversight was applied for a year and 119 rescue run sheets were retrospectively analyzed before and after the program to study the effect of an indirect medical oversight program in one city. The general characteristics of patients who visited hospitals before and after the program were analyzed, along with patient evaluation records, personal data, outbreak patterns, transfer information, direct medical oversight, and emergency medical services (EMS) mobilization reports. In addition, by comparing medical records and the 119 rescue run sheets, changes in the accuracy of 119 rescue run reports, the adequacy of patient classification, and the adequacy of medical direction were analyzed. After gathering these data, statistical analysis was performed and the level of significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: After executing the indirect medical oversight, there was significant improvement in the accuracy of 119 rescue run sheets (p<0.001) and in the consistency of severity classification in 119 rescue run sheets compared with medical records (p=0.016). The adequacy of direct medical oversight request also showed improvement after the indirect medical oversight took effect (p<0.001). However, there was no statistical significance in prehospital procedures. CONCLUSION: Indirect medical oversight significantly improved the quality of emergency medical service by emergency medical technicians. However, the further application and improvement of indirect medical oversight programs are required for the development of prehospital emergency medical care.

Characterization of motorcycle accident victims attended by the mobile emergency service (SAMU-192), Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil / Caracterização das vítimas de acidentes de motocicleta atendidas pelo serviço de atendimento móvel de urgência (SAMU-192), Recife, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study described the epidemiological characteristics of victims of accidents involving motorcycles, attended by the Mobile Emergency Service (SAMU- 192) in the city of Recife (PE) in 2006. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that analyzed a sample of 703 cases. The results showed that 81.8% were male, aged 20 to 29 years. It was noted that 406 of them were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The accidents occurred most frequently on Sundays (19.3%) between 18:00 and 24:00 hours (0.28%). The extremities were the most affected body segment, with 341 occurrences. Regarding the severity of injuries, it was found that 37.6% were superficial or mild (scrapes, cuts and bruises). These results demonstrate the need for educational campaigns to encourage the use of personal protective equipment among motorcyclists. The best way to reduce the risks and damages from motorcycle accidents is through primary prevention. For this, are needed integrated intersectoral actions aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of injuries.

Descrevem-se as características epidemiológicas das vítimas de acidentes envolvendo motocicletas atendidas pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU-192), da cidade do Recife (PE), no ano de 2006. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de corte transversal, no qual foi analisada uma amostra de 703 atendimentos. Os resultados mostraram que 81,8% eram do sexo masculino, na faixa etária entre 20 e 29 anos. Observou-se que 406 motociclistas utilizavam o capacete no momento do acidente. Os acidentes ocorreram com maior frequência no domingo (19,3%), no horário compreendido entre as 18h e 24h (0,28%). As extremidades foram o segmento do corpo mais atingidos com 341 ocorrências. Quanto à gravidade das lesões, verificou-se que 37,6% eram superficiais ou de baixa gravidade (escoriações, cortes e contusões). Esses resultados são importantes para demonstrar a necessidade de campanhas educativas incentivando o uso dos equipamentos individuais de proteção para motociclistas. Reconhecidamente, a melhor forma de reduzir os riscos e os danos decorrentes dos acidentes com motocicletas é pela prevenção primária. Para tanto, são necessárias ações intersetoriais integradas que visem à redução da incidência e da gravidade das lesões.

Necessity of Epinephrine in Pre-Hospital Stage: In the Early Management of Anaphylaxis Following a Bee Sting

PURPOSE: Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction of rapid onset that may lead to death. The primary treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. However, use of epinephrine in pre-hospital stage is unavailable, because epinephrine is not permitted to be equipped in the 119 rescue ambulance and use of epinephrine by emergency medical technicians (EMT) is not authorized by law in Korea. The aim of this study is to identify the necessity of using epinephrine in prehospital stage from the perspective of early management of anaphylaxis following a bee sting. METHODS: Patients suffering from a bee sting who used the 119 rescue in Jeollanamdo between 2008 to 2011 were included. Age, sex, month of injury, time factors, distance factors, presence of cardiac arrest, AVPU triage by EMT, presenting symptoms, and signs were extracted. The severity of bee sting injury was divided into mild, moderate, and severe according to the presenting symptoms and signs. RESULTS: A total of 1,647 patients were included: 917 (55.7%) patients were classified as mild; 480(29.1%) patients were classified as moderate; and 250(15.2%) patients were classified as severe. The median of total transport time and distance was 32 minutes and 21.3 kilometers, respectively. Nine patients collapsed at the scene. Bee sting injuries occurred primarily from June to October. CONCLUSION: The incidence of anaphylaxis following a bee sting was not low. The transport time was relatively long, since bee stings occur primarily in rural areas. Therefore, for early management of anaphylaxis, equipment of epinephrine in the 119 rescue ambulance and use of epinephrine by EMTs should be considered.

Implementation of a Prehospital ALS (Advanced Life Support) Program in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of the implementation of prehospital advanced life support programs and share in-hospital medical direction center operation experience. METHODS: From Oct. to Dec. 2008, twenty fire safety centers in Seoul metropolitan city took part in a pilot implementation of advanced life support programs with medical services as follow: prehospital 12 lead ECG transmission for patients with chest pain, a prehospital CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) program for patients with dyspnea, a prehospital stroke scale application for patients with neurologic problems, and real-time audio-visual information transmission for patients with traumatic injuries. RESULTS: A total of 6,741 patients were transported to hospitals by emergency response ambulances to twenty five different safety centers. Of the total number of patients, 304 received advanced life support management. The prehospital use of 12 lead ECG transmission was 57.89%, real-time ECG was 27.45%, continuous positive airway pressure was 20.60%, stroke scale was 25%, and real-time audio-visual information was 5.98%. A Delphi survey using a panel which was expert in prehospital implementation of advanced life support programs concluded that prehospital ECG transmission and stroke scale programs should be implemented. However, they decided against implementation of the continuous positive airway pressure and real-time audio-visual information programs. CONCLUSION: Overall, the feasibility of implementation of a prehospital conventional 12 lead ECG program was good and the Delphi survey concurred that the ECG transmission and prehospital stroke scale programs should be implemented.

Direct Medical Direction Performed in an Emergency Medical Information Center

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the appropriateness of medical direction for the prehospital emergency treatment of 119 rescue services in an emergency information center. METHODS: A total of 4,028 cases requested by 119 rescue services from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Medical direction for requests of 119 rescue services constituted five categories. The appropriateness of medical direction for prehospital emergency treatment of 119 rescue services was evaluated according to area and specialty. RESULTS: The majority of the 119 rescue service requests concerned resource information (72.4%). Medical direction for prehospital treatment comprised a small proportion of the requests (13.2%). The total appropriatenss of medical direction for prehospital treatment was 56.4% and was higher in emergency physician than non-emergency physician. The appropriatenss difference between two areas was not determined. CONCLUSION: The requests for prehospital emergency treatment of 119 rescue services was low. The appropriatenss of medical direction for emergency treatment was low and higher appropriatenss was observed in emergency physician.