After the 2023 Turkey earthquake, thousands of people evacuated to different fields. Earthquake victims still need health care in the evacuation location. This study aims to determine the emergency department (ED) and outpatient clinic utilization characteristics of the evacuated earthquake victims outside the earthquake zone and to provide suggestions for planning the health care facilities in the regions where the evacuated earthquake victims will be placed.

This retrospective, observational study was conducted in a tertiary university hospital from February 7, 2023 through February 20, 2023. All evacuated earthquake victims who presented to the study hospital were included in the study. Non-victim patients were included as the control group. Missing medical records were excluded. Demographic characteristics of the patients, outpatient clinics, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10th Revision (ICD-10) codes, and outcomes were recorded.

A total of 15,128 patients were included in the final analysis. Six-hundred-nine (4.0%) of the patients were evacuated victims. Three-hundred forty-six (56.8%) evacuated victims used the ED. One-hundred fifty-six (25.6%) earthquake victims were in the pediatric age group. Earthquake victims used the ED more than the control group in adult and pediatric age groups (22.5% versus 51.7% and 30.2% versus 71.8%; P <.001, respectively). Earthquake victims frequently presented to the hospital during night shifts in both age groups (P <.05). Pediatric victims were more hospitalized than the control group (4.8% versus 10.9%; P = .001). Diseases of the respiratory system were the most common emergency diagnosis of the victims in both age groups (26.5% and 57.1%, respectively). The most frequently used outpatient clinic was ophthalmology in both age groups (14.6% and 20.5%, respectively).

Evacuated victims, especially pediatric victims, used the ED more than other outpatient clinics. Diseases of the respiratory system were the most common emergency diagnosis of the victims, and the most frequently preferred outpatient clinic was ophthalmology. The most common diseases and frequently preferred clinics should be considered in planning health care for the evacuated earthquake victims.

Airway management is a cornerstone in the prehospital care of critically ill or injured patients. Surgical cricothyrotomy offers a rapid and effective solution when oxygenation and ventilation fail using less-invasive techniques. However, the exact indications, incidence, and success of prehospital surgical cricothyrotomy are unknown, with variable rates reported in the literature. This study aimed to examine prehospital indications and success rates for surgical cricothyrotomy within a large, suburban, ground-based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.

This is a retrospective analysis of 31 patients who underwent paramedic performed surgical cricothyrotomy from 2012 through 2022. Key demographic parameters were analyzed, including the incidence of cardiac arrest, call type (trauma versus medical), initial airway management attempts, number of endotracheal intubation (ETI) attempts before surgical airway, and average time to the establishment of a surgical airway in relation to the number of ETI attempts. Surgical cricothyrotomy success was defined as the acquisition of four-phase end-tidal capnography reading. The primary data sources were the EMS electronic medical records, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

A total of 31 patients were included in the final analysis. Of those who received a surgical cricothyrotomy, 42% (13/31) occurred in the trauma setting, while 58% (18/31) were medical calls. In all patients who underwent surgical cricothyrotomy, the median (IQR) time to the procedure was 17 minutes (IQR = 11-24). In trauma patients, the median time to surgical cricothyrotomy was 12 minutes (IQR = 9-19) versus 19 minutes (IQR = 14-33) in medical patients. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) detection and placement success was confirmed in 94% (29/31) of patients. Endotracheal intubation was attempted in 55% (17/31) before subsequent surgical cricothyrotomy, with 29% (9/31) receiving more than one ETI attempt. The median time to surgical cricothyrotomy when multiple prior intubation attempts occurred was 33 minutes (IQR = 23-36) compared to 14.5 minutes (IQR = 6-19) in patients without a preceding intubation attempt.

Prehospital surgical airway can be performed by paramedics with a high degree of success. Identification of the need for surgical cricothyrotomy should be determined as soon as possible to allow for rapid securement of the airway and to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) represent a growing population presenting to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), but little is known about their prehospital care. This study aimed to characterize current EMS protocols in the United States for patients with VADs.

States with state-wide EMS protocols were included. Protocols were obtained from the state EMS website. If not available, the office of the state medical director was contacted. For each state, protocols were analyzed for patient and VAD assessment and treatment variables.

Of 32 states with state-wide EMS protocols, 21 had VAD-specific protocols. With 17 (81%) states noting a pulse may not be palpable, protocols recommended assessing alternate measures of perfusion and mean arterial pressure (MAP; 15 [71%]). Assessment of VAD was advised through listening for pump hum (20 [95%]) and alarms (20 [95%]) and checking the power supply (15 [71%]). For treatment, EMS prehospital consultation was required to begin chest compression in three (14%) states, and mechanical (device) chest compressions were not permitted in two (10%) states. Contact information for VAD coordinator was listed in a minority of five (24%) states. Transport of VAD equipment/backup bag was advised in 18 (86%) states.

This national analysis of EMS protocols found VAD-specific EMS protocols are not universally adopted in the United States and are variable when implemented, highlighting a need for VAD teams to partner with EMS agencies to inform standardized protocols that optimize these patients’ care.

Following the 2020 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, this study compared participant’s fatigue with the quality of manual chest compressions performed in the head-up CPR (HUP-CPR) and supine CPR (SUP-CPR) positions for two minutes on a manikin.

Both HUP-CPR and SUP-CPR were performed in a randomized order determined by a lottery-style draw. Manual chest compressions were then performed continuously on a realistic manikin for two minutes in each position, with a 30-minute break between each condition. Data were collected on heart rate, blood pressure, and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale scores from the participants before and after the compressions.

Mean chest compression depth (MCCD), mean chest compression rate (MCCR), accurate chest compression depth ratio (ACCDR), and correct hand position ratio were significantly lower in the HUP group than that in the SUP group. However, there were no significant differences in accurate chest compression rate ratio (ACCRR), correct recoil ratio, or mean arterial pressure (MAP) before and after chest compressions between the two groups. Changes in heart rate and RPE scores were greater in the HUP group.

High-quality manual chest compressions can still be performed when the CPR manikin is placed in the HUP position. However, the quality of chest compressions in the HUP position was poorer than those in the SUP position, and rescuer fatigue was increased.

Medical professionals can use mass-casualty triage systems to assist them in prioritizing patients from mass-casualty incidents (MCIs). Correct triaging of victims will increase their chances of survival. Determining the triage system that has the best performance has proven to be a difficult question to answer. The Advanced Prehospital Triage Model (Modelo Extrahospitalario de Triaje Avanzado; META) and Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Interventions, Treatment/Transport (SALT) algorithms are the most recent triage techniques to be published. The present study aimed to evaluate the META and SALT algorithms’ performance and statistical agreement with various standards. The secondary objective was to determine whether these two MCI triage systems predicted patient outcomes, such as mortality, length-of-stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

This retrospective study used patient data from the trauma registry of an American College of Surgeons Level 1 trauma center, from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The sensitivity, specificity, and statistical agreement of the META and SALT triage systems to various standards (Revised Trauma Score [RTS]/Sort Triage, Injury Severity Score [ISS], and Lerner criteria) when applied using trauma patients. Statistical analysis was used to assess the relationship between each triage category and the secondary outcomes.

A total of 3,097 cases were included in the study. Using Sort triage as the standard, SALT and META showed much higher sensitivity and specificity in the Immediate category than for Delayed (Immediate sensitivity META 91.5%, SALT 94.9%; specificity 60.8%, 72.7% versus Delayed sensitivity 28.9%, 1.3%; specificity 42.4%, 28.9%). With the Lerner criteria, in the Immediate category, META had higher sensitivity (77.1%, SALT 68.6%) but lower specificity (61.1%) than SALT (71.8%). For the Delayed category, SALT showed higher sensitivity (META 61.4%, SALT 72.2%), but lower specificity (META 75.1%, SALT 67.2%). Both systems showed a positive, though modest, correlation with ISS. For SALT and META, triaged Immediate patients tended to have higher mortality and longer ICU and hospital lengths-of-stay.

Both META and SALT triage appear to be more accurate with Immediate category patients, as opposed to Delayed category patients. With both systems, patients triaged as Immediate have higher mortality and longer lengths-of-stay when compared to Delayed patients. Further research can help refine MCI triage systems and improve accuracy.

This study assesses the operational challenges and clinical outcomes encountered by a university-based Emergency Medical Team (EMT) during the medical search and rescue (mSAR) response to the February 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.

In this observational study, data were retrospectively collected from 42 individuals who received mSAR services post-earthquake. The challenges were categorized as environmental, logistical, or medical, with detailed documentation of rescue times, patient demographics, injury types, and medical interventions.

In this mSAR study, 42 patients from 30 operations were analyzed and divided into environmental (26.2%), logistical (52.4%), and medical (21.4%) challenge groups. Median rescue times were 29 (IQR 28–30), 36.5 (IQR 33.75–77.75), and 30.5 (IQR 29.5–35.5) hours for each group, respectively (P = .002). Age distribution did not significantly differ across groups (P = .067). Hypothermia affected 18.2%, 45.5%, and 66.7% in the respective groups. Extremity injuries were most common in the medical group (88.9%). Intravenous access was highest in the medical group (88.9%), while splinting was more frequent in the medical (55.6%) and logistical (18.2%) groups. Hypothermia was most prevalent in the medical group (66.7%), followed by the logistical group (45.5%). Ambulance transport post-rescue was utilized for a minority in all groups.

The study concludes that logistical challenges, more than environmental or medical challenges, significantly prolong the duration of mSAR operations and exacerbate clinical outcomes like hypothermia, informing future enhancements in disaster response planning and execution.

Medical resuscitations in rugged prehospital settings require emergency personnel to perform high-risk procedures in low-resource conditions. Just-in-Time Guidance (JITG) utilizing augmented reality (AR) guidance may be a solution. There is little literature on the utility of AR-mediated JITG tools for facilitating the performance of emergent field care.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel AR-mediated JITG tool for emergency field procedures.

Emergency medical technician-basic (EMT-B) and paramedic cohorts were randomized to either video training (control) or JITG-AR guidance (intervention) groups for performing bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation, intraosseous (IO) line placement, and needle-decompression (Needle-d) in a medium-fidelity simulation environment. For the interventional condition, subjects used an AR technology platform to perform the tasks. The primary outcome was participant task performance; the secondary outcomes were participant-reported acceptability. Participant task score, task time, and acceptability ratings were reported descriptively and compared between the control and intervention groups using chi-square analysis for binary variables and unpaired t-testing for continuous variables.

Sixty participants were enrolled (mean age 34.8 years; 72% male). In the EMT-B cohort, there was no difference in average task performance score between the control and JITG groups for the BVM and IO tasks; however, the control group had higher performance scores for the Needle-d task (mean score difference 22%; P = .01). In the paramedic cohort, there was no difference in performance scores between the control and JITG group for the BVM and Needle-d tasks, but the control group had higher task scores for the IO task (mean score difference 23%; P = .01). For all task and participant types, the control group performed tasks more quickly than in the JITG group. There was no difference in participant usability or usefulness ratings between the JITG or control conditions for any of the tasks, although paramedics reported they were less likely to use the JITG equipment again (mean difference 1.96 rating points; P = .02).

This study demonstrated preliminary evidence that AR-mediated guidance for emergency medical procedures is feasible and acceptable. These observations, coupled with AR’s promise for real-time interaction and on-going technological advancements, suggest the potential for this modality in training and practice that justifies future investigation.

Humanitarian mine action (HMA) stakeholders have an organized presence with well-resourced medical capability in many conflict and post-conflict settings. Humanitarian mine action has the potential to positively augment local trauma care capacity for civilian casualties of explosive ordnance (EO) and explosive weapons (EWs). Yet at present, few strategies exist for coordinated engagement between HMA and the health sector to support emergency care system strengthening to improve outcomes among EO/EW casualties.

A scoping literature review was conducted to identify records that described trauma care interventions pertinent to civilian casualties of EO/EW in resource-constrained settings using structured searches of indexed databases and grey literature. A 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) review on trauma systems components in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) was updated with additional eligible reports describing trauma care interventions in LMICs or among civilian casualties of EO/EWs after 2001.

A total of 14,195 non-duplicative records were retrieved, of which 48 reports met eligibility criteria. Seventy-four reports from the 2017 WHO review and 16 reports identified from reference lists yielded 138 reports describing interventions in 47 countries. Intervention efficacy was assessed using heterogenous measures ranging from trainee satisfaction to patient outcomes; only 39 reported mortality differences. Interventions that could feasibly be supported by HMA stakeholders were synthesized into a bundle of opportunities for HMA engagement designated links in a Civilian Casualty Care Chain (C-CCC).

This review identified trauma care interventions with the potential to reduce mortality and disability among civilian EO/EW casualties that could be feasibly supported by HMA stakeholders. In partnership with local and multi-lateral health authorities, HMA can leverage their medical capabilities and expertise to strengthen emergency care capacity to improve trauma outcomes in settings affected by EO/EWs.

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of the patients who applied to the emergency department (ED) of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital (Antalya, Türkiye) after the Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık earthquake dated February 6, 2023, as earthquake victims were included in the study. The results of the study could be a guide in terms of emergency health services and the healthy management of disasters.

The study included patients over the age of 18 who presented as earthquake victims to the ED of Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Hospital from February 6, 2023 through March 8, 2023. The demographic data of the patients, including age, gender, earthquake zone, time and manner of arrival to the ED, time under debris, length-of-stay (LOS) in the service and intensive care unit (ICU), infection rates, culture results, and mortality, were retrospectively analyzed using the hospital automation system.

A total of 1,833 earthquake victims presented to the ED. Of these patients, 1,294 were adults and 539 were children. Services and the ICU admitted a total of 137 adult patients. In the first week, 414 (31.99%) of the patients presented to the ED, while 82 (59.85%) of the hospitalized patients were admitted.

Hatay ranked first with 573 (44.28%) patients in the distribution of patients presented to the ED according to earthquake regions. In the distribution of hospitalized patients by earthquake regions, the patients requiring the most hospitalization were from the province of Hatay, with 68 (49.63%) patients.

During hospital observations, the medical staff took 132 culture samples based on the positive clinic of the patient. The microorganisms detected in the culture studies were different from the flora of the hospital. The mortality at seven days was two (1.45%), and at the end of 30 days, the mortality was six (4.37%).

The ED evaluated all affected cases, with most patients being brought by their relatives using their own means, and had low mortality rates despite presenting with fewer injuries. New environmental conditions that developed after the earthquake caused unexpected results, especially in terms of community-acquired agents.

Passive oxygenation with non-rebreather face mask (NRFM) has been used during cardiac arrest as an alternative to positive pressure ventilation (PPV) with bag-valve-mask (BVM) to minimize chest compression disruptions. A dual-channel pharyngeal oxygen delivery device (PODD) was created to open obstructed upper airways and provide oxygen at the glottic opening. It was hypothesized for this study that the PODD can deliver oxygen as efficiently as BVM or NRFM and oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manikin model.

Oxygen concentration was measured in test lungs within a resuscitation manikin. These lungs were modified to mimic physiologic volumes, expansion, collapse, and recoil. Automated compressions were administered. Five trials were performed for each of five arms: (1) CPR with 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio using BVM with 15 liters per minute (LPM) oxygen; continuous compressions with passive oxygenation using (2) NRFM and OPA with 15 LPM oxygen, (3) PODD with 10 LPM oxygen, (4) PODD with 15 LPM oxygen; and (5) control arm with compressions only.

Mean peak oxygen concentrations were: (1) 30:2 CPR with BVM 49.3% (SD = 2.6%); (2) NRFM 47.7% (SD = 0.2%); (3) PODD with 10 LPM oxygen 52.3% (SD = 0.4%); (4) PODD with 15 LPM oxygen 62.7% (SD = 0.3%); and (5) control 21% (SD = 0%). Oxygen concentrations rose rapidly and remained steady with passive oxygenation, unlike 30:2 CPR with BVM, which rose after each ventilation and decreased until the next ventilation cycle (sawtooth pattern, mean concentration 40% [SD = 3%]).

Continuous compressions and passive oxygenation with the PODD resulted in higher lung oxygen concentrations than NRFM and BVM while minimizing CPR interruptions in a manikin model.

Drowning persists as a preventable pediatric cause of severe morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the risk factors, circumstances, and medical consequences associated with pediatric drowning incidents in order to identify patterns that can inform targeted interventions.

This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of pediatric drowning cases. The study encompassed children aged 0-18 years who presented to the pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) of Hadassah Medical Centers in Jerusalem from January 1, 2004 through April 30, 2023. Inclusion criteria were individuals with main registration diagnosis containing the terms “drowning” or “submersion.”

Analysis revealed 129 cases of pediatric drowning, males comprising 66% of the cohort. The average age was 4.9 years (SD = 4.5). Predominantly, drownings occurred in private (38%) or public pools (27.1%). Forty-eight percent of children required hospitalization in intensive care. Notably, children from the Arab minority were significantly younger at the time of drowning (3.8 years; P = .04) and were at elevated risk of severe neurologic outcomes necessitating rehabilitation (P = .03). Incidents occurring on weekends were associated with younger victim ages (3.5 years; P = .04) and with increased likelihood of outcomes necessitating rehabilitation (P = .04). Conversely, children from families with four or more siblings were notably older at the time of drowning (5.3 years; P = .01). No other statistically significant differences were observed among demographic groups.

Strategies aimed at promoting child health and preventing drowning must surmount feasibility barriers. Intervention efforts should be tailored to populations at heightened risk, including younger children, minority groups, and incidents occurring during weekends.

Mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) place extraordinary demands on prehospital medical response. However, there remains limited evidence on best practices in managing MCIs, and therefore, there is a need to systematically synthetize experiences from them to build further evidence.

This study aimed to analyze common challenges in prehospital MCI management.

Seventeen case studies or reports describing 15 MCIs (ie, terrorist attacks, chemical incidents, traffic accidents, weather-related incidents, and fires) were subject to a systematic integrative review.

Common challenges in prehospital MCI management include victim and responder safety- and security-related issues; the need to develop and communicate situational awareness; to develop and apply a prehospital response plan; the ability to deliver care under severe circumstances; and the need for an extended prehospital medical response management strategy.

Resilient prehospital MCI response demands both a clear strategy and improvisation and should be integrated into the overall medical response strategy. Responders must understand the main concepts of prehospital MCI management, have a situational awareness that foresees the event’s medical consequences, and have the experience required to interpret the situation. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and medical incident commanders require specific training and mental preparation to be able to provide care under severe security threats, to improvise beyond routines and guidelines, and to provide care in ways different from their everyday work.

Identifying patients at imminent risk of death is critical in the management of trauma patients. This study measures the vital sign thresholds associated with death among trauma patients.

This study included data from patients ≥15 years of age in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database. Patients with vital signs of zero were excluded. Documented prehospital and emergency department (ED) vital signs included systolic pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and calculated shock index (SI). The area under the receiver operator curves (AUROC) was used to assess the accuracy of these variables for predicting 24-hour survival. Optimal thresholds to predict mortality were identified using Youden’s Index, 90% specificity, and 90% sensitivity. Additional analyses examined patients 70+ years of age.

There were 1,439,221 subjects in the 2019-2020 datasets that met inclusion for this analysis with <0.1% (10,270) who died within 24 hours. The optimal threshold for prehospital systolic pressure was 110, pulse rate was 110, SI was 0.9, and respiratory rate was 15. The optimal threshold for the ED systolic was 112, pulse rate was 107, SI was 0.9, and respiratory rate was 21. Among the elderly sub-analysis, the optimal threshold for prehospital systolic was 116, pulse rate was 100, SI was 0.8, and respiratory rate was 21. The optimal threshold for ED systolic was 121, pulse rate was 95, SI was 0.8, and respiratory rate was 21.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and SI offered the best predictor of mortality among trauma patients. The SBP values predictive of mortality were significantly higher than the traditional 90mmHg threshold. This dataset highlights the need for better methods to guide resuscitation as initial vital signs have limited accuracy in predicting subsequent mortality.

Drowning remains a significant cause of mortality among children world-wide, making prevention strategies crucial. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends training children in safe rescue techniques, including the use of basic skills such as throwing floating objects. This study aims to address a knowledge gap regarding the throwing capabilities of children aged six to twelve using conventional and alternative water rescue materials.

A total of 374 children aged six to twelve years participated in the study, including both males and females. A randomized crossover approach was used to compare throws with conventional rescue material (ring buoy and rescue tube) to an alternative material (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]-bottle). Throwing distance and accuracy were assessed based on age, sex, and the type of rescue tools used.

Children of all ages were able to throw the PET-bottle significantly farther than both the ring buoy (P <.001; d = 1.19) and the rescue tube (P <.001; d = 0.60). There were no significant differences (P = .414) in the percentage of children who managed to throw each object accurately.

Conventional rescue materials, particularly the ring buoy, may not be well-suited for long-distance throws by children. In contrast, lighter and smaller alternatives, such as PET-bottles, prove to be more adaptable to children’s characteristics, enabling them to achieve greater throwing distances. The emphasis on cost-effective and easily accessible alternatives should be implemented in drowning prevention programs or life-saving courses delivered to children.

The “Smart Emergency Call Point” is a device designed for requesting assistance and facilitating rapid responses to emergencies. The functionality of smart emergency call points has evolved to include features as real-time photo transmission and communication capabilities for both staff and emergency personnel. These devices are being used to request Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on university campuses. Despite these developments, there has been a lack of previous studies demonstrating significant advantages of integrating smart emergency call points into EMS systems.

The primary goal of this study was to compare the response times of EMS between traditional phone calls and the utilization of smart emergency call points located on university campuses. Additionally, the study aimed to provide insights into the characteristics of smart emergency call points as a secondary objective.

This retrospective database analysis made use of information acquired from Thailand’s EMS at Srinagarind Hospital. The data were gathered over a period of four years, specifically from January 2019 through January 2022. The study included two groups: the first group used the phone number 1669 to request EMS assistance, while the second group utilized the smart emergency call point. The primary focus was on the response times. Additionally, the study documented the characteristics of the smart emergency call points that were used in the study.

Among the 184 EMS operations included in this study, 60.9% (N = 56) involved females in the smart emergency call point group. Notably, the smart emergency call point group showed a higher frequency of operations between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm when compared to the 1669 call group (P = .020). In dispatch triage, the majority of emergency call points were categorized as non-urgent, in contrast to the phone group for 1669 which were primarily cases categorized as urgent (P = .010). The average response time for the smart emergency call point group was significantly shorter, at 6.01 minutes, compared to the phone number 1669 group, which had an average response time of 9.14 minutes (P <.001).

In the context of calling for EMS on a university campus, the smart emergency call points demonstrate a significantly faster response time than phone number 1669 in Thailand. Furthermore, the system also offers the capability to request emergency assistance.

There is significant public health interest towards providing medical care at mass-gathering events. Furthermore, mass gatherings have the potential to have a detrimental impact on the availability of already-limited municipal Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources. This study presents a cross-sectional descriptive analysis to report broad trends regarding patients who were transported from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate football games at a major public university in order to better inform emergency preparedness and resource planning for mass gatherings.

Patient care reports (PCRs) from ambulance transports originating from varsity collegiate football games at the University of Minnesota across six years were examined. Pertinent information was abstracted from each PCR.

Across the six years of data, there were a total of 73 patient transports originating from NCAA collegiate football games: 45.2% (n = 33) were male, and the median age was 22 years. Alcohol-related chief complaints were involved in 50.7% (n = 37) of transports. In total, 31.5% of patients had an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of less than 15. The majority (65.8%; n = 48; 0.11 per 10,000 attendees) were transported by Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances. The remaining patients (34.2%; n = 25; 0.06 per 10,000 attendees) were transported by Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and were more likely to be older, have abnormal vital signs, and have a lower GCS.

This analysis of ambulance transports from NCAA Division 1 collegiate football games emphasizes the prevalence of alcohol-related chief complaints, but also underscores the likelihood of more life-threatening conditions at mass gatherings. These results and additional research will help inform emergency preparedness at mass-gathering events.

Early detection of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on the prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) improves patient outcomes. Current software algorithms optimize sensitivity but have a high false-positive rate. The authors propose an algorithm to improve the specificity of STEMI diagnosis in the prehospital setting.

A dataset of prehospital ECGs with verified outcomes was used to validate an algorithm to identify true and false-positive software interpretations of STEMI. Four criteria implicated in prior research to differentiate STEMI true positives were applied: heart rate <130, QRS <100, verification of ST-segment elevation, and absence of artifact. The test characteristics were calculated and regression analysis was used to examine the association between the number of criteria included and test characteristics.

There were 44,611 cases available. Of these, 1,193 were identified as STEMI by the software interpretation. Applying all four criteria had the highest positive likelihood ratio of 353 (95% CI, 201-595) and specificity of 99.96% (95% CI, 99.93-99.98), but the lowest sensitivity (14%; 95% CI, 11-17) and worst negative likelihood ratio (0.86; 95% CI, 0.84-0.89). There was a strong correlation between increased positive likelihood ratio (r2 = 0.90) and specificity (r2 = 0.85) with increasing number of criteria.

Prehospital ECGs with a high probability of true STEMI can be accurately identified using these four criteria: heart rate <130, QRS <100, verification of ST-segment elevation, and absence of artifact. Applying these criteria to prehospital ECGs with software interpretations of STEMI could decrease false-positive field activations, while also reducing the need to rely on transmission for physician over-read. This can have significant clinical and quality implications for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.

Over 2.7 million people have an opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid-related deaths have steadily increased over the last decade. Although emergency department (ED)-based medication for OUD (MOUD) has been successful in initiating treatment for patients, there still is a need for improved access. This study describes the development of a prehospital MOUD program.

An interdisciplinary team expanded a MOUD program into the prehospital setting through the local city fire department Quick Response Team (QRT) to identify patients appropriate for MOUD treatment. The QRT consisted of a paramedic, social worker, and police officer. This team visited eligible patients (i.e., history of an opioid overdose and received prehospital care the previous week). The implementation team developed a prehospital MOUD protocol and a two-hour training course for QRT personnel. Implementation also required a signed contract between local hospitals and the fire department. A drug license was necessary for the QRT vehicle to carry buprenorphine/naloxone, and a process to restock the vehicle was created. Pamphlets were created to provide to patients. A clinical algorithm was created for substance use disorder (SUD) care coordinators to provide a transition of care for patients. Metrics to evaluate the program included the number of patients seen, the number enrolled in an MOUD program, and the number of naloxone kits dispensed. Data were entered into iPads designated for the QRT and uploaded into the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) program.

Over the six-month pilot, the QRT made 348 visits. Of these, the QRT successfully contacted 83 individuals, and no individuals elected to be evaluated for new MOUD treatment. Nine fatal opioid overdoses occurred during the study period. A total of 55 naloxone kits were distributed, and all patients received MOUD information pamphlets.

A prehospital MOUD program can be established to expand access to early treatment and continuity of care for patients with OUD. The program was well-received by the local city fire department and QRT. There is a plan to expand the prehospital MOUD program to other local fire departments with QRTs.

In the United States, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs). Designed to encourage bystanders to aid at the scene of an emergency, GSLs generally limit the risk of civil tort liability if the care is rendered in good faith. Nation-wide, a leading cause of preventable death is uncontrolled external hemorrhage. Public bleeding control initiatives aim to train the public to recognize life-threatening external bleeding, perform life-sustaining interventions (including direct pressure, tourniquet application, and wound packing), and to promote access to bleeding control equipment to ensure a rapid response from bystanders.

This study sought to identify the GSLs in each state and the District of Columbia to identify what type of responder is covered by the law (eg, all laypersons, only trained individuals, or only licensed health care providers) and if bleeding control is explicitly included or excluded in their Good Samaritan coverage.

Good Samaritan Laws providing civil liability qualified immunity were identified in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. One state, Oklahoma, specifically includes bleeding control in its GSLs. Six states – Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Missouri – have laws that define those covered under Good Samaritan immunity, generally limiting protection to individuals trained in a standard first aid or resuscitation course or health care clinicians. No state explicitly excludes bleeding control from their GSLs, and one state expressly includes it.

Nation-wide across the United States, most states have broad bystander coverage within GSLs for emergency medical conditions of all types, including bleeding emergencies, and no state explicitly excludes bleeding control interventions. Some states restrict coverage to those health care personnel or bystanders who have completed a specific training program. Opportunity exists for additional research into those states whose GSLs may not be inclusive of bleeding control interventions.