What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine the proportion of emergency ambulance arrivals that are medically justified and identify factors associated with unjustified emergency calls.

June 1, 1990Emergency Medicine JournalOpen Access

The use and abuse of the emergency ambulance service: some of the factors affecting the decision whether to call an emergency ambulance.

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Implication

Prospective observational survey finds 38% of emergency ambulance calls were medically unwarranted among emergency department arrivals, suggesting deficient public first aid knowledge.

Key Points

To determine the proportion of emergency ambulance arrivals that are medically justified and identify factors associated with unjustified emergency calls.
Conducted a 1-month prospective survey using a standardized proforma for all patients arriving at an accident and emergency department via a 999 emergency call (N=289).
Evaluated medical need for ambulance transport alongside social and practical factors influencing the decision to call.
Of 289 evaluated patients, 178 (62%) medically warranted ambulance transport, whereas 111 (38%) did not warrant emergency transport.
Identified practical and social characteristics that significantly increased the likelihood of an unjustified call, indicating a widespread lack of basic first aid knowledge among the public.

Cite This Study

A 1990 study studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7d16f52c1f7923a7964efa https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.7.2.81

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Implication

Prospective observational survey finds 38% of emergency ambulance calls were medically unwarranted among emergency department arrivals, suggesting deficient public first aid knowledge.

The use and abuse of the emergency ambulance service: some of the factors affecting the decision whether to call an emergency ambulance.

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

The use and abuse of the emergency ambulance service: some of the factors affecting the decision whether to call an emergency ambulance.

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider