Can video communication in the emergency medical communication centre improve dispatch precision? A before-after study in Norwegian helicopter emergency medical services.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Dispatching helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to the patients with the greatest medical or logistical benefit remains challenging. The introduction of video calls (VC) in the emergency medical communication centres (EMCC) could provide additional information for EMCC operators and HEMS physicians when assessing the need for HEMS dispatch. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact from VC in the EMCC on HEMS dispatch precision.

Design

An observational before-after study.

Setting

The regional EMCC and one HEMS base in Mid-Norway.

Participants

EMCC operators and HEMS physicians at the EMCC and HEMS base in Trondheim, Norway.

Intervention

In January 2022, VC became available in emergency calls in Trondheim EMCC. Data were collect

SUBMITTER: Ulvin OE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10618992 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature