Prehospital emergency care
Audio Summaries

A 'target trial emulation' of prehospital sublingual nitroglycerin administration for suspected acute coronary syndrome

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the association between prehospital administration of sublingual nitroglycerin and outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using a nationwide dataset. Their analysis of 70,890 patients found that nitroglycerin administration did not significantly reduce the composite outcome of critical interventions such as CPR or defibrillation, suggesting that its effectiveness in this setting may be limited. The study highlights the need for further research, given the low prevalence of the outcomes assessed and the observational nature of the data.

Improving Pediatric Medication Safety Through Implementation of Evidence-Based Guidelines

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to improve pediatric medication dosing accuracy in the prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) setting by implementing evidence-based guidelines. Through a quality improvement initiative that included standardized weight estimation, volume-based dosing applications, and clinician training, they achieved a significant increase in correct dosing from 79% to 97% for initial pediatric medication administration. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and iterative interventions in enhancing medication safety for children in emergency situations.

Development of a Mobile Application for EMS Treatment Protocols Based on a Human-Centered Design Approach

Mar 13, 2026

The authors aimed to develop a mobile application that enhances the accessibility and usability of emergency medical services (EMS) treatment protocols by employing a human-centered design (HCD) approach. By engaging stakeholders throughout the design process, they identified key features that would facilitate real-time decision support and training for EMS clinicians, ultimately improving patient care. The resulting application prototype includes rapid access to treatment protocols, quick reference guidelines, and just-in-time training resources tailored to the needs of EMS professionals.

"We Call Ourselves The Pride Truck": A Phenomenological Approach to Contextualizing LGBTQ+ EMS Professional Life

Mar 13, 2026

This study aims to explore the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians and how their identities intersect with their professional roles. Through qualitative interviews, the authors identify key themes such as the strategic management of self-disclosure, the prioritization of professional identity over sexual orientation, and the importance of intersectionality in promoting health equity and workplace safety. The findings highlight the need for inclusive policies and education to better support LGBTQ+ clinicians and enhance patient care.

Effective Community Consultation for Prehospital EFIC Research: Lessons from a 20-Site Pediatric Trial

Mar 13, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community consultation (CC) and public disclosure (PD) strategies used in the Pediatric Dose Optimization for Seizure in EMS (PediDOSE) trial, particularly in the context of federal Exception from Informed Consent (EFIC) research. Their findings highlighted the importance of utilizing paid social media for broader outreach and recommended strategies for engaging diverse community stakeholders, including children and minoritized populations, to enhance the effectiveness of CC/PD activities in future EFIC studies.

An Analysis of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Prehospital Programs Across North Carolina

Mar 6, 2026

The authors aimed to analyze the current practices of prehospital Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) programs across North Carolina and compare them to established best practices to aid in standardization. They found that while there was broad consistency in program implementation, including the administration of bridge dosing and patient inclusion criteria, variations existed in dosing practices and personnel authorized to administer MOUD. The study highlights the potential for these findings to inform the development of replicable models for prehospital MOUD programs in other states.

The Psychological Impact of Attending Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Volunteer Lay Responders: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Mar 6, 2026

This systematic review investigates the psychological impact of attending out-of-hospital cardiac arrests on volunteer lay responders, specifically examining the incidence of post-traumatic stress symptoms and the factors influencing these outcomes. The findings indicate that while severe psychological effects are rare, mild-to-moderate distress is common and influenced by individual characteristics, situational dynamics, and community support. The authors emphasize the importance of targeted training and structured post-event support to mitigate psychological burdens and enhance the resilience of volunteer responders.

Riding into Reality: How Ride-alongs with Mobile Integrated Healthcare Shape Medical Student Understanding of Social Determinants of Health

Mar 6, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate whether participation in a mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) ride-along program would enhance medical students' understanding of social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on patient access to healthcare resources. The study found that students who engaged in ride-alongs significantly improved their knowledge and awareness of SDOH, with nearly all participants recommending the integration of such experiences into the medical school curriculum. This suggests that direct exposure to community healthcare challenges can enrich medical education and better prepare students for addressing SDOH in their future practice.

Factors associated with successful intravenous access in the prehospital setting

Feb 25, 2026

The authors aimed to identify factors influencing the success of first attempt intravenous (IV) access in a nationwide prehospital setting and to assess the rate of successful IV access utilization among patients. Analyzing over 3 million IV access attempts, they found a first attempt success rate of 76.5%, with various patient and encounter characteristics impacting this success. Notably, less than half of the patients with successful IV access received any IV therapy in the prehospital environment.

Fighting Fire with Ice: A Multisite Collaboration to Evaluate the Impact of Prehospital Cold Water Immersion on Heat Stroke Patients

Feb 25, 2026

This study evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of a prehospital cold water immersion (CWI) protocol for treating heat stroke patients by the Phoenix Fire Department. The authors aim to determine the protocol's impact on patient temperature reduction and clinical outcomes, finding that it is feasible and leads to significant improvements in temperature and neurologic status. The results suggest a potential for broader adoption of CWI in emergency medical services, though further research is needed to optimize its use.