Jared Strote1, Reed Simons, Mickey Eisenberg. 1. Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356123, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. strote@u.washington.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We examine the safety and efficacy of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) providing treatment to stable hypoglycemic patients without transport or paramedic involvement, which is currently beyond their scope of practice. METHODS: All hypoglycemic patients treated in the field without transport for 12 months were included. We used a patient follow-up survey to compare the outcomes of EMT and paramedic-treated patients on the occurrence of repeat hypoglycemic episodes, 911 calls, and/or in-hospital reevaluation within 48 hours; patients' adhering to the provided instructions; and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 402 cases identified, we were able to contact and survey 203 (51%). There were no statistically significant differences for any of the outcome measures studied. Patients treated by EMTs (110) and paramedics (93) had 8 (7%) and 7 (8%) episodes of repeat hypoglycemia, 3 (3%) and 5 (5%) repeat 911 calls, and 9 (8%) and 10 (11%) hospital evaluations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency medical technicians performed comparably with paramedics treating hypoglycemia without transport.
OBJECTIVES: We examine the safety and efficacy of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) providing treatment to stable hypoglycemic patients without transport or paramedic involvement, which is currently beyond their scope of practice. METHODS: All hypoglycemic patients treated in the field without transport for 12 months were included. We used a patient follow-up survey to compare the outcomes of EMT and paramedic-treated patients on the occurrence of repeat hypoglycemic episodes, 911 calls, and/or in-hospital reevaluation within 48 hours; patients' adhering to the provided instructions; and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 402 cases identified, we were able to contact and survey 203 (51%). There were no statistically significant differences for any of the outcome measures studied. Patients treated by EMTs (110) and paramedics (93) had 8 (7%) and 7 (8%) episodes of repeat hypoglycemia, 3 (3%) and 5 (5%) repeat 911 calls, and 9 (8%) and 10 (11%) hospital evaluations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency medical technicians performed comparably with paramedics treating hypoglycemia without transport.
Authors: Remco H A Ebben; Lilian C M Vloet; Renate F Speijers; Nico W Tönjes; Jorik Loef; Thomas Pelgrim; Margreet Hoogeveen; Sivera A A Berben Journal: Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med Date: 2017-07-17 Impact factor: 2.953
Authors: Lilian C M Vloet; Arjan de Kreek; Emmelieke M C van der Linden; Jori J A van Spijk; Vince A H Theunissen; Maud van Wanrooij; Pierre M van Grunsven; Remco H A Ebben Journal: Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med Date: 2018-10-29 Impact factor: 2.953