[Misuse of emergency ambulance services].
The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of misuse of ambulance emergency services for minor injuries in a defined area and population. Case records concerning all patients (2708) treated in the period 19.02-13.06.96 at the A&E departments at Holstebro and Herning Central Hospitals were reviewed. The following factors were predictive of use of ambulance for transportation to the A&E department in minor injuries: Traffic accident, age 18-25 years and injuries to head and back. Approximately 50% of all patients transported by ambulance emergency were estimated to have been able to be treated by general practitioners instead. In conclusion, although a certain amount of misuse of ambulance emergency services among patients treated for minor injuries were identified, the incidence of misuse was not more than 1.5/day in a population of appr. 200.000.
Holstebro Centralsygehus, ortopaedkirurgisk afdeling.
D S
DS
Krum-Møller
T B
TB
Hansen
R
R
Thyregaard
D000059:Accidents; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000552:Ambulances / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003718:Denmark; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records