Emergency Medical Service Use Among Latinos Aged 50 and Older in California Counties, Except Los Angeles, During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Latino adults aged 50 and older in California. Among adults aged 50–64, Latinos constitute approximately one-third (32%) of the population, but over half (52%) of COVID-19 cases, and more than two-thirds (64%) of COVID-related deaths as of June 2, 2021. These health disparities are also prevalent among Latinos 65 years and older who constitute 22% of the population, but 40% of confirmed COVID-19 cases and 50% of COVID-related deaths. Emergency medical services (EMS) are an essential component of the United States healthcare system and a vital sector in COVID-19 response efforts. Using data from the California Emergency Medical Services Information System (CEMSIS), this study examines racial and ethnic differences in respiratory distress related EMS calls among adults aged 50 and older in all counties except Los Angeles. This study compares the early pandemic period, January to June 2020, to the same time period in 2019. Between January and June 2019, Latinos aged 50 and older had statistically significantly lower odds of respiratory distress related EMS calls compared to Blacks, Asians, and Whites. During the early pandemic period, January to June 2020, Latinos aged 50 and older had statistically significantly lower odds of respiratory distress related EMS calls compared to Blacks but slightly higher odds compared to Whites. Differences by race/ethnicity and region were statistically significant. Understanding EMS health disparities is crucial to inform policies that create a more equitable prehospital care system for the heterogeneous population of middle aged and older adults.

A Systematic Literature Review of Hispanic Adults’ Experiences With the Emergency Medical Services System in the United States Between 2000 and 2021

“…The early pandemic period was also characterized by an increase in the proportion of EMS calls attributed to respiratory distress,25 cardiac arrest, 23 and overdose-associated cardiac arrests,16 especially among Hispanics. The higher likelihood of these health conditions may be partially explained by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Hispanics 16,23,25,34…”

“…Four studies examined Hispanic adults’ experiences with EMS during the early COVID-19 pandemic period 16,23,25,34. EMS calls decreased by 26.5% during the early pandemic period (March to May 2020), compared with the same months in the previous 4 years (2016–2019) 34.…”

“…10,14,16,20,23,25,28,[31][32][33][34]44,48 Six studies were published before the ACA was signed into law (2000-2009), 11,12,27,36,42,49 while 37 studies were published the year the ACA was signed into law or later (2010-2021). 2,6,7,10,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][37][38][39][40][41][43][44]…”

“…The higher likelihood of these health conditions may be partially explained by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Hispanics. 16,23,25,34…”

Emergency Medical Services Prehospital Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US: A Brief Literature Review

“… Clinical Outcomes 68 Melgoza et. al 80 Emergency Medical Service Use Among Latinos Aged 50 and Older in California Counties, Except Los Angeles, During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic Period Cohort Data from the California Emergency Medical Services Information System (CEMSIS) California, US ● Latinos are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as they make up 32% of the Californian population, but comprised 52% of COVID-19 cases and 64% of COVID-19 deaths. ● Latinos also comprised a larger proportion of respiratory distress calls than Whites, but a statistically significant smaller proportion than Blacks.…”