scholarly journals Standard Precautions Among Emergency Medical Services in Urban and Rural Areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Riyadh A. Alhazmi ◽  
R. David Parker ◽  
Sijin Wen
Keyword(s):  
West Virginia ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Standard Precautions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Rural And Urban

Backround: Emergency medical services (EMS) workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids through percutaneous injuries. This study aimed to assess the consistency with which standard precautions (SPs) among rural and urban EMS providers were used. Methods: This study consisted of a cross-sectional survey conducted with a sample of certified EMS providers in West Virginia in which we ascertained details about sociodemographic characteristics, and the frequency of consistent SP. An email invitation was sent to a comprehensive list of agencies obtained from the Office of West Virginia EMS. Findings: A total of 248 out of 522 (47%) EMS providers completed the survey. The majority of the EMS providers (76%) consistently complied with SPs; however, more than one third (38%) of urban EMS providers indicated inconsistent use compared with 19% of rural EMS providers ( p = .002). Most EMS providers reported low prevention practices to exposure of blood and body fluids in both areas. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The results emphasize the need to enhanced safe work practices among EMS providers in both rural and urban areas through education and increasing self-awareness. Occupational health professional in municipalities that serve these workers are instrumental in ensuring these workers are trained and evaluated for their compliance with SPs while in the field.

scholarly journals Disparities between Rural and Urban Areas of the Central Region of Saudi Arabia in the Utilization and Time-Centeredness of Emergency Medical Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7944
Author(s):  
Hassan N. Moafa ◽  
Sander Martijn Job van Kuijk ◽  
Dhafer M. Alqahtani ◽  
Mohammed E. Moukhyer ◽  
Harm R. Haak
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Central Region ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Rural And Urban

The purpose of this study was to explore differences in characteristics of missions dispatched by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) between rural and urban areas of Riyadh province in Saudi Arabia (SA). It also aimed at identifying weaknesses related to utilization and Response Time (RT). The study retrospectively evaluated 146,639 completed missions in 2018 by measuring the utilization rate in rural and urban areas. The study shows there are six times more ambulance crews available for rural areas compared to urban. There were 22.1 missions per 1000 urban inhabitants and 11.2 missions per 1000 in rural areas. The median RT for high urgent trauma cases was 20.2 min in rural compared to 15.2 min in urban areas (p < 0.001). In urban areas, the median RT for high urgent medical cases was 16.1 min, while it was 15.2 min for high urgent trauma cases. Around 62.3% of emergency cases in urban and 56.5% in rural areas were responded to within 20.00 min. Women utilized EMS less frequently. The RT was increased in urban areas compared to previous studies. The RT in the central region of SA has been identified as equal, or less than 20.00 min in 62.4% of all emergency cases. To further improve adherence to the 20′ target, reorganizing the lowest urgent cases in the rural areas seems necessary.

scholarly journals Challenges of Emergency Medical Services utilization by the older adults in Tabriz, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rouzbeh Rajaei Ghafouri ◽  
Mohammad Hasan Sahebihagh ◽  
Asghar Mohammadpoorasl ◽  
Zahra Parsian ◽  
Mahmood Yousefi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical

Abstract Background As the number of older adults is increasing, the health care services such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be promoted. One of the preconditions for the use of health services is awareness of these services and their terms of use. This study is conducted to evaluate the awareness of the older adults in Tabriz about EMS and the terms of services. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of over 60 years old noninstitutionalized population in Tabriz (Iran). It included 1062 participants (514 males and 548 females) who were selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method. Service awareness is considered as being informed about the existence of the EMS. Knowledge about EMS is defined as knowing the EMS phone number and knowledge about its free and 24-hour service. After completing the informed consent, data collection was conducted in the households of the participants. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression. Results The findings showed that 47% of the older adults were not familiar with the EMS system. Awareness of EMS in males (63.4%) was higher than females (44.2%) and also it was higher among those born in cities (61.2%) than rural areas (46.1%). Holding primary, secondary, and higher education compared with illiteracy had higher chance of awareness of EMS by more than 2, 4, and 12 times respectively (OR = 2.53, OR = 4.69, and OR = 12.09). Conclusion Due to high rate of illiteracy and low public awareness, older adults do not have appropriate knowledge about the facilities, conditions, and terms of using EMS and may not be able to demand some of their essential services; therefore, notifying and increasing awareness about the available services to older adults are necessary.

scholarly journals Organisational factors affecting emergency medical services’ performance in rural and urban areas of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ramdan M Alanazy ◽  
John Fraser ◽  
Stuart Wark
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Time Service ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Organisational Factors

Abstract Background There is a disparity in outcomes between rural and urban emergency medical services (EMS) around the world. However, there is a scarcity of research that directly asks EMS staff in both rural and urban areas how service delivery could be improved. The aim of the present study is to gain insights from frontline workers regarding organisational factors that may underpin discrepancies between rural and urban EMS performance. Subject and methods The study was undertaken in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Potential participants were currently employed by Saudi Red Crescent EMS as either a technician, paramedic or an EMS station manager, and had a minimum of five years experience with the EMS. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken between October 2019 and July 2020 with first respondents to a call for participants, and continued until data saturation was reached. All interviews were conducted in Arabic and transcribed verbatim. The Arabic transcript was shared with each participant, and they were asked to confirm their agreement with the transcription. The transcribed interviews were then translated into English; the English versions were shared with bi-lingual participants for validation, while independent certification of the translations were performed for data from participants not fluent in English. A thematic analysis methodological approach was used to examine the data. Results The final sample involved 20 participants (10 rural, 10 urban) from Saudi Red Crescent EMS. Data analyses identified key organisational factors that resulted in barriers and impediments for EMS staff. Differences and similarities were observed between rural and urban respondents, with identified issues including response and transportation time, service coordination, reason for call-out, as well as human and physical resourcing. Conclusion The findings identified key issues impacting on EMS performance across both rural and urban areas. In order to address these problems, three changes are recommended. These recommendations include a comprehensive review of rural EMS vehicles, with a particular focus on the age; incentives to improve the numbers of paramedics in rural areas and more localised specialist training opportunities for rurally-based personnel; and the implementation of national public education program focusing on the role of the EMS.

scholarly journals Challenges of Emergency Medical Services utilization by the older adults in Tabriz, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Azizi-Zeinalhajlou ◽  
Rouzbeh Rajaei Ghafouri ◽  
Mohammad Hasan Sahebihagh ◽  
Asghar Mohammadpoorasl ◽  
Zahra Parsian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical

Abstract Background: As the number of older adults is increasing, the health care services such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be promoted. One of the preconditions for the use of health services is awareness of these services and their terms of use. This study is conducted to evaluate the awareness of the older adults in Tabriz about EMS and the terms of services. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of over 60 years old noninstitutionalized population in Tabriz (Iran). It included 1062 participants (514 males and 548 females) who were selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method. Service awareness is considered as being informed about the existence of the EMS. Knowledge about EMS is defined as knowing the EMS phone number and knowledge about its free and 24-hour service. After completing the informed consent, data collection was conducted in the households of the participants. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression. Results: The findings showed that 47% of the older adults were not familiar with the EMS system. Awareness of EMS in males (63.4%) was higher than females (44.2%) and also it was higher among those born in cities (61.2%) than rural areas (46.1%). Holding primary, secondary, and higher education compared with illiteracy had higher chance of awareness of EMS by more than 2, 4, and 12 times respectively (OR= 2.53, OR= 4.69, and OR= 12.09). Conclusion: Due to high rate of illiteracy and low public awareness, older adults do not have appropriate knowledge about the facilities, conditions, and terms of using EMS and may not be able to demand some of their essential services; therefore, notifying and increasing awareness about the available services to older adults are necessary.

Pediatric Prehospital Care in Urban and Rural Areas

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
James S. Seidel ◽  
Deborah Parkman Henderson ◽  
Patrick Ward ◽  
Barbara Wray Wayland ◽  
Beverly Ness
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Advanced Life Support ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Emergency Medical

There are limited data concerning pediatric prehospital care, although pediatric prehospital calls constitute 10% of emergency medical services activity. Data from 10 493 prehospital care reports in 11 counties of California (four emergency medical services systems in rural and urban areas) were collected and analyzed. Comparison of urban and rural data found few significant differences in parameters analyzed. Use of the emergency medical services system by pediatric patients increased with age, but 12.5% of all calls were for children younger than 2 years. Calls for medical problems were most common for patients younger than 5 years of age; trauma was a more common complaint in rural areas (64%, P = .0001). Frequency of vital sign assessment differed by region, as did hospital contact (P &lt; .0001). Complete assessment of young pediatric patients, with a full set of vital signs and neurologic assessment, was rarely performed. Advanced life support providers were often on the scene, but advanced life support treatments and procedures were infrequently used. This study suggests the need for additional data on which to base emergency medical services system design and some directions for education of prehospital care providers.

Differences in Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Emergency Medical Technicians Compared to Paramedics: A Cross-Sectional Study of Emergency Medical Services Professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 288-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Cash ◽  
Remle P. Crowe ◽  
Julie K. Bower ◽  
Randi E. Foraker ◽  
Ashish R. Panchal
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Emergency Medical Technicians ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Employment Characteristics

AbstractBackground:Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals face high physical demands in high-stress settings; however, the prevalence of cardiovascular health (CVH) risk factors in this health care workforce has not been explored. The primary objective of this study was to compare the distribution of CVH and its individual components between a sample of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. The secondary objective was to identify associations between demographic and employment characteristics with ideal CVH in EMS professionals.Methods:A cross-sectional survey based on the American Heart Association’s (AHA; Dallas, Texas USA) Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) was administered to nationally-certified EMTs and paramedics. The LS7 components were scored according to previously described cut points (ideal = 2; intermediate = 1; poor = 0). A composite CVH score (0-10) was calculated from the component scores, excluding cholesterol and blood glucose due to missing data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for demographic and employment characteristics associated with optimal CVH (≥7 points).Results:There were 24,708 respondents that were currently practicing and included. More EMTs achieved optimal CVH (n = 4,889; 48.8%) compared to paramedics (n = 4,338; 40.6%). Factors associated with higher odds of optimal CVH included: higher education level (eg, college graduate or more: OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.97-2.59); higher personal income (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.37); and working in an urban versus rural area (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.23-1.40). Paramedic certification level (OR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91), older age (eg, 50 years or older: OR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58-0.73), male sex (OR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.50-0.56), working for a non-fire-based agency (eg, private service: OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.74), and providing medical transport service (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.94) were associated with lower odds of optimal CVH.Conclusions:Several EMS-related characteristics were associated with lower odds of optimal CVH. Future studies should focus on better understanding the CVH and metabolic risk profiles for EMS professionals and their association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), major cardiac events, and occupational mortality.Cash RE, Crowe RP, Bower JK, Foraker RE, Panchal AR. Differences in cardiovascular health metrics in emergency medical technicians compared to paramedics: a crosssectional study of Emergency Medical Services professionals.Prehosp Disaster Med.2019;34(3):288–296.

scholarly journals Analysis of the equity of emergency medical services: a cross-sectional survey in Chongqing city

The Lancet ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 386 ◽  
pp. S45
Author(s):  
Yalan Liu ◽  
Yi Jiang ◽  
Shenglan Tang ◽  
Qian Long ◽  
Jingfu Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Chongqing City

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Attitude of Adolescents Studying in Junior Colleges of Rural and Urban Areas of Vijayapura towards Social Aspects of Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 1280-1285
Author(s):  
Sadashiva Basavantappa Ukkali ◽  
Nagamani Kulkarni ◽  
Thobbi A.N. ◽  
Ayesha Siddiqua ◽  
Shruthi Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Adolescents ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Rural Adolescents ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban

BACKGROUND Adolescent period is that part of exciting period of life which marks the transition from being a dependent kid to an independent and responsible adult. It is recognised as a fascinating period that poses specific challenges and has a great impact on the physical, social and emotional behaviour in the family and society. METHODS A comparative cross-sectional survey of a total of 1000 adolescents, 16 - 18 years of age – 250 each from 4 PU colleges (2 urban + 2 rural) were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Based on responses, their attitude towards social aspects of life were assessed, analysed and compared. RESULTS There were significant differences in attitude of adolescents residing in urban areas on various social aspects of life as compared to the adolescents residing in rural areas. Significant differences were observed in personality development traits like selfesteem and self-concept, shrewdness, tender mindedness, internal restraint and individual capacities. Risk taking behaviour was more common in urban adolescents and academic underachievement was more common in rural adolescents. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to home / college environment, safety at home / college, relationships with parents, siblings and friends, depression and social ideation. CONCLUSIONS We observed that rural and urban adolescents differed significantly in their attitude towards development of personality traits. Rural adolescents were academically underachievers because of poor facilities, less opportunities and lack of motivation. Urban adolescents exhibited high risk-taking behaviour compared to rural adolescents because of high peer-pressure, curiosity and more exposure to mass media. KEY WORDS Adolescent, Attitude, Rural, Urban, Social

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