Emergency Calls and Chief Complaints Arising at the Berlin Fire Brigade Dispatch Centre during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction At the Berlin fire brigade dispatch centre, emergency calls are processed using Priority Dispatch Systems. Further, a specific protocol is used since February 28, 2020. Methods The emergency call volume and emergency call behaviour, as well as the development and utilization of emergency relocations at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are shown using data from the operations control system. Results During the study period from February 21, 2020 to April 30, 2020, emergency calls and missions inherently were on a high level. However, in the beginning of the lockdown (March 18, 2020), the volume of emergency calls decreased. Besides the usual standardised dispatch protocols, the protocol Pandemic/Epidemic/Outbreak was used increasingly. Conclusion The ongoing pandemic is particularly challenging to dispatch centres and emergency medical staff alike. Emergency dispatch centres with 24/7 reachability play an important role in pandemic control. A standardised protocol gives further opportunity to react to the pandemic. © 2021 Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.

[Introduction of emergency paramedic investigators in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Berlin emergency medical service]. / Einführung von NotSan-Erkundern im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie in der Berliner Notfallrettung.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that the condition of a number of patients deteriorates acutely when not monitored. This is set against an increased demand for emergency medical services and the resulting scarcity of resources, which makes it necessary to prioritise inpatient treatment or ensure that patients are provided with appropriate outpatient care. In this context, the Berlin Fire Department has introduced emergency paramedic investigators (NotSan-Erkunder) as an additional operating resource. METHODOLOGY: We assessed all operations from 28.03.2020 to 28.04.2020 during which Emergency Paramedic Investigators of the Berlin emergency services were deployed. A total of 341 operations were included from the 31 days. Alongside data from the dispatch system, all operational documentation was assessed. RESULTS: In 57% of cases, mNACA II patients (outpatient treatment) were identified, in 42% of cases, mNACA III patients (inpatient treatment) were identified, and in 1% of cases, mNACA IV (imminent danger to life) patients were identified. In 51% of cases, the emergency services transported the patient to a hospital, and in 49%, alternative care measures were employed. These included referral to a local physician in 28% of cases. In 11% of cases, patients were referred to on-call services of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV in German). In 4% of cases, the Berlin Fire Department emergency dispatch center deployed a physician of the KV (KV-ARE investigator). DISCUSSION: The results show that additional operational resources serve an important function during a pandemic with regards to an initial assessment and pilot function. This can help relieve not only the emergency services but also the medical facilities responsible for providing further care. The standardised dispatch enquiry enables the linking with the appropriate codes from the low-priority operational spectrum and support by a Tele-emergency physician lends additional professional competency to the emergency paramedics.