Temporal Trends and Future Predictions of Regional EMS System Utilization Using Statistical Modeling.

INTRODUCTION: Trends in utilization of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems can be used to extrapolate future use of an EMS system, which will be valuable for the budgeting and planning of finances and resources. The best model for incorporation of seasonal and regional fluctuations in utilization to predict future utilization is unknown. PROBLEM: Authors aimed to trend patterns of utilization in a regional EMS system to identify the needs of a growing population and to allow for a better understanding of how the EMS system is used on a basis of call volume and frequency of EMS transportation. The authors then used a best-fitting prediction model approach to show how the studied EMS system will be used in future years. METHODS: Systems data were retrospectively extracted by using the electronic medical records of the studied EMS system and its computer-assisted dispatch (CAD) database from 2010 through 2017. All EMS dispatches entering the system's 9-1-1 public service access point were captured. Annual utilization data were available from 2010 through 2017, while quarterly data were available only from 2013 through 2017. The 9-1-1 utilization per capita, Advanced Life Support (ALS) utilization per capita, and ALS cancel rates were calculated and trended over the study period. The methods of prediction were assessed through a best-fitting model approach, which statistically suggested that Additive Winter's approach (SAS) was the best fit to determine future utilization and ALS cancel rates. RESULTS: Total 9-1-1 call volume per capita increased by 32.46% between 2010 and 2017, with an average quarterly increase of 0.78% between 2013 and 2017. Total ALS call volume per capita increased by 1.93% between 2010 and 2017. Percent ALS cancellations (cancelled en route to scene) increased by eight percent between 2010 and 2017, with an average quarterly increase of 0.42% (2013-2017). Predictions to end of 2019 using Additive Winter's approach demonstrated increasing trends in 9-1-1 call volume per capita (R2 = 0.47), increasing trends of ALS utilization per capita (R2 = 0.71), and increasing percent ALS cancellation (R2 = 0.93). Each prediction showed increasing future trends with a 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrate paramount per capita increases of 9-1-1 call volume in the studied ALS system. There are concomitant increases of ALS cancellations prior to arrival, which suggests a potential burden on this regional ALS response system.

Opioid crisis at the Jersey Shore-special report.

The USA is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdoses and deaths with a 200% increase in overdose deaths involving opioids including heroin. Legislation since 2013 has created paths to reduce opioid overdose deaths and since, basic life support (BLS) and police agencies have been administering naloxone to patients with suspected opioid overdoses as part of standard treatment protocols. Charts were reviewed from 1 January 2016 to 15 April 2016 on the de-identified electronic medical records of patients in a two-county system comprising the 'Jersey Shore' who received naloxone to determine the number of naloxone administrations and heroin overdoses. Additionally, narratives were examined for evidence of heroin use. Of the 312 patients, 213 received a first dose of naloxone by a family member or bystander, police, or by BLS; 99 received a first dose by a paramedic (ALS). About 233 were initially unresponsive or had altered mental status that improved after naloxone administration. About210 (67.3%) charts illustrated obvious opioid use. Of the note, 282 patients arrived to an emergency department alive. About 30 patients were pronounced dead. From 1 February 2016 to 31 March 2016, the number of opioid overdoses increased and the subsequent use of naloxone has increased by 176%.

Incidence of Naloxone Redosing in the Age of the New Opioid Epidemic.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Naloxone, an opioid-antagonist deliverable by an intra-nasal route, has become widely available and utilized by law enforcement officers as well as basic life support (BLS) providers in the prehospital setting. This study aimed to determine the frequency of repeat naloxone dosing in suspected narcotic overdose (OD) patients and identify patient characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients over 17 years of age with suspected opioid overdose, treated with an initial intranasal (IN) dose of naloxone and subsequently managed by paramedics, was performed from April 2014 to June 2016. Demographic data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify those aspects of the history, physical exam findings. Results: A sample size of 2166 patients with suspected opioid OD received naloxone from first responders. No patients who achieved GCS 15 after treatment required redosing; 195 (9%) received two doses and 53 patients received three doses of naloxone by advanced life support. Patients were primarily male (75.4%), Caucasian (88.2%), with a mean age of 36.4 years. A total of 76.7% of patients were found in the home, 23.1% had a suspected mixed ingestion, and 27.2% had a previous OD. Two percent of all patients required a third dose of naloxone. CONCLUSION: In this prehospital study, we confirmed that intranasal naloxone is effective in reversing suspected opioid toxicity. Nine percent of patients required two or more doses of naloxone to achieve clinical reversal of suspected opioid toxicity. Two percent of patients received a third dose of naloxone.

A Case Series of Double Sequence Defibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Double Sequence Defibrillation or Double Simultaneous Defibrillation (DSD) is the use of two defibrillators almost simultaneously at their highest allowed energy setting to treat refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF). One set of pads is placed in the Anterior-Posterior position and the other set of pads is placed in the Anterior-Lateral Position. Both defibrillation buttons are pressed simultaneously. We sought to determine ROSC and survival rates in a large EMS system when DSD is routinely utilized for RVF. METHOD: A retrospective case series was performed of all patients who received DSD from January 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015. During the four month period, we requested physicians to instruct paramedics to use DSD on patients after three refractory episodes of VF. All Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALS) patients treated by paramedics are discussed via telephone communication with a physician in the system of 100 ALS treated patients per day. RESULTS: From January 1, 2015 to April 1, 2015, a total of 7 patients were treated with DSD. The mean age was 62 (Range: 45-78), with mean resuscitation time of 34.3 minutes before first DSD (Range: 23-48). The mean number of single shocks was 5.4 prior to DSD (Range: 3-9), with a mean of 2 DSD shocks delivered. VF converted after DSD in 5 cases (57.1%). Four patients survived to admission (43%). Three patients survived to discharge with no or minimal neurologic disability (28.6%). The mean Cerebral Performance Category Scale was 3.4 with 1 indicating good cerebral performance and 5 indicating Brain Death. DISCUSSION: The correct amount of energy in joules for VF remains unknown. In this case series, significant patients converted out of VF. The reason for improved VF conversion may be several factors including additional defibrillation vectors, increased energy, more energy across myocardium, and unknown variables. Additional research is underway to determine if routine DSD will result in improved survival compared to standard defibrillation techniques.