Prehospital emergency care
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Prehospital Assessment and Treatment of Infants and Toddlers in Respiratory Distress: A Retrospective Analysis

Jun 22, 2026

The authors aim to evaluate how well emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians can distinguish between upper and lower airway diseases in infants and toddlers experiencing respiratory distress, as this differentiation is crucial for appropriate management. They analyze patient characteristics, EMS clinician assessments, and prehospital treatments for children under three years old diagnosed with conditions such as croup or acute bronchitis in the emergency department. The study seeks to understand the implications of these distinctions on care provided in the prehospital setting.

The prone position during helicopter transport of critically ill patients: A case series from North Norway

Jun 18, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transporting intubated patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the prone position via helicopter in North Norway. Their observational case series of six patients indicated that, despite the inherent risks, prone helicopter transport can be successfully executed with careful preparation and experienced medical teams, as evidenced by improvements in oxygenation and survival rates among the patients transported.

Ketamine versus propofol for sedation in acute psychiatric emergencies during aeromedical retrieval: a randomized clinical trial

Jun 17, 2026

This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of ketamine versus propofol for sedation in acutely agitated patients during aeromedical retrieval. The results indicated that ketamine was associated with fewer adverse events compared to propofol, although clinicians expressed a preference for propofol despite both medications achieving similar sedation efficacy. The trial highlights the need for optimal sedation strategies in the context of limited mental health resources in regional Australian communities.

Internationally Informed Consensus on Research Priorities in Paramedicine and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Jun 16, 2026

The authors aimed to identify and validate a set of internationally informed research priorities for paramedicine and prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) to guide strategic investment and evidence generation. Through a multi-phase, stakeholder-informed consensus process, they developed a framework comprising nine interrelated factors and 40 research priorities that reflect contemporary prehospital practice. The findings are intended to help researchers, funders, and EMS organizations align their efforts and address critical gaps in the field while considering local contexts.

Trends and Regional Variation in Heat-Related EMS Encounters in the US

Jun 16, 2026

This study investigates trends and regional variations in prehospital heat-related emergency medical service (EMS) encounters in the U.S. from 2019 to 2023, aiming to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with these encounters. The findings reveal a slight overall increase in heat-related encounters by 2023, with significant regional disparities, particularly in the Mountain and West South Central divisions. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand vulnerabilities and improve emergency response strategies in affected areas.

Inclusion of Hospital Performance in Prehospital Stroke Routing: A Simulation Study

Jun 16, 2026

The authors aimed to determine how the inclusion of actual hospital performance data affects prehospital routing decisions for patients with suspected strokes compared to existing guidelines and a base model without such data. Their simulation study revealed that incorporating real hospital performance metrics led to different routing recommendations in over 63% of scenarios, suggesting that using actual treatment times could optimize patient outcomes by directing them to hospitals with faster reperfusion times. This highlights the potential benefits of integrating hospital-specific performance data into prehospital decision-making processes.

Cardiac arrest during interfacility transport with emergency medical services: a preliminary nationwide cross-sectional study

Jun 16, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) witnessed by emergency medical services (EMS) during interfacility transport (IFT) across the United States. Their findings indicate that a higher level of EMS care, specifically critical care transport (CCT), is associated with improved rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to basic and advanced life support, highlighting the critical role of patient triage and appropriate care during transport for high-risk patients.

Description of the 2024 NEMSIS Public-Release Research Dataset

Jun 11, 2026

The authors aim to describe the 2024 NEMSIS Public-Release Research Dataset, which compiles extensive data on emergency medical services (EMS) activations across the U.S. for evaluating public health and EMS system improvements. They analyze the dataset for completeness and generalizability, highlighting key findings such as the predominance of urban, non-volunteer EMS services and common patient complaints. The dataset serves as a valuable open-access resource for examining EMS usage patterns and prehospital care practices, while also noting its limitations.

Prehospital application of pelvic binders for suspected pelvic ring injuries: a retrospective cohort study

Jun 11, 2026

This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients with confirmed pelvic fractures who received pelvic binders from paramedics in the prehospital setting, as well as to identify patient characteristics associated with unstable pelvic fractures. Out of 319 patients analyzed, only 9.4% received a pelvic binder, with just 17% of those having unstable fractures. The findings suggest that certain clinical indicators, such as pain and vital signs, could enhance the prehospital identification of pelvic instability.

Pediatric Trauma Center Utilization for Children Transported by Emergency Medical Services

Jun 11, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the patterns of emergency medical services (EMS) transport to pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) for injured children who met trauma center criteria and to identify factors influencing this transport. Their study found that, despite having geographic access and meeting the criteria, only 40.6% of eligible children were transported to PTCs, with disparities based on demographics and injury types. The findings suggest a need for interventions to improve transport practices and enhance pediatric care readiness at non-PTCs.