Pediatric Prehospital Care in a Southern Regional Emergency Medical Service System

Abstract

A retrospective review of 2,302 ambulance run reports from the Birmingham [Alabama] Regional Emergency Medical Service System indicated that 6% of all runs are for patients in the pediatric age group (less than 18 years of age). Injuries related to emergencies were responsible for more than 65% of pediatric runs, and 30% were related to motor vehicle accidents. Surprisingly, 8% of calls were for seizure disorders, a figure much higher than in the adult population. Approximately 38% of the runs involved children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Significantly more male than female patients were involved. This descriptive epidemiologic study is antecedent to effective planning and implementation of pediatric prehospital care programs. Training of emergency personnel should be targeted toward treating motor vehicle injuries, seizures, poisoning, and upper airway obstructure in children.