Epidemiology of non-transported emergency medical services calls in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives:To determine the epidemiology of non- transported emergency medical services (EMS) calls within the EMS system at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to identify factors that contributes to non-transport of patients by EMS provider, and to recommend suggestions for reduction in number of non-transported calls.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 1390 patient care reports (PCR) of non-transported cases responded to, and documented by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) emergency medical technicians (EMTs). All PCRs of non-transported cases from 10 EMS stations, in 3 consecutive months were examined. The SRCA EMTs management in Riyadh allocated all non-transported PCRs for 3 months (March-May 2014). Constructive data that includes patients demographics, scene characteristics, trip and timing information, length of stay, clinical and assessment data, and physician contact, or presence status were extracted from those PCRs.Results:Twenty-five percent of calls made during the study period were reported as non-transported calls. Seventy percent of non-transported calls were related to refusal by patient. Approximately 22.4% of non-transported calls were canceled by dispatch. Approximately 50% of non-transported patient were in the young age group (16-30 years). In 26% of non-transported calls, the field time was restricted to 15 minutes.Conclusion:More than half of the non-transported emergency calls were reported as refused by patient/relative, while approximately one quarter were reported as cancelled calls.

Association between the mode of transport and in-hospital medical complications in trauma patients: findings from a level-I trauma center in Saudi Arabia

“… 34 Another study by Alrazeeni et al examined nontransported EMS calls and found 65% had a 15-minute response time and 17% had up to a 30-minute response time. 35 Studies from other countries reported a shorter response time. A study from Iran showed most EMS calls were delivered within 8 minutes, 36 while in Beijing the median response time was about 16.5 minute.…”

Why do ambulance services have different non-transport rates? A national cross sectional study

“…Non-transport can occur because patients refuse to go to hospital or because ambulance clinicians make decisions not to take patients to a hospital. In some countries refusal to travel is the main reason for non-transport (sometimes called non-conveyance),[ 1 ] but in other countries ambulance services have policies and guidelines to allow staff to make decisions about whether to transport patients to hospital. [ 2 ] Non-transport rates vary by country and research study.…”

Emergency Medical Technician Education in Saudi Arabia: History and Challenges

“…While formal evaluation of training quality is yet to be conducted, several challenges have been identified in the literature, including students' perceived lack of confidence, trust, and independence, 5 and deficits in EMS coverage of some geographical locations. 6 Additionally, EMT trainees continue to face such societal challenges as refusal of treatment by patients and/or relatives, 5,7 scene congestion caused by bystanders, 5 and the high prevalence of cancelled emergency calls. 7 Until identified challenges are addressed, immediately available resources ought to be prioritized with the goal of producing competent, Saudi-trained EMTs.…”