Changes in trauma-related emergency medical services during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Western Cape, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To limit virus spread during the COVID pandemic, extensive measures were implemented around the world. In South Africa, these restrictions included alcohol and movement restrictions, factors previously linked to injury burden in the country. Consequently, reports from many countries, including South Africa, have shown a reduction in trauma presentations related to these restrictions. However, only few studies and none from Africa focus on the impact of the pandemic restrictions on the Emergency Medical System (EMS).

Methods

We present a retrospective, observational longitudinal study including data from all ambulance transports of physical trauma cases collected during the period 2019-01-01 and 2021-02-28 from the Western Cape Government EMS in the Western Cape Pr

SUBMITTER: Pettke A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10304331 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature