An analysis of prehospital care for victims of accidents and violence in Recife, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed at carrying out a situational diagnosis of the prehospital healthcare network for victims of accidents and violence in Recife, Brazil.


METHODS
National policy for reducing accident- and violence-related morbidity and mortality was used as reference. Questionnaires were applied and half-structured interviews conducted with managers and healthworkers from thirteen prehospital fixed units and one mobile unit.


RESULTS
Children, adolescents and females predominantly sought attention; there were few preventative actions, little social coverage and deficient referral, counterreferral and communication with other sectors. A lack of equipment and basic materials, insufficient multidisciplinary teams and the need for ongoing training were also observed. Notifying and recording accidents and violence also lacked precision; ensuring that these were done properly would allow track to be kept of them as well as developing a proper assessment and action plan. However, important state, city and academic initiatives towards preventing and reducing morbidity and mortality caused by accidents and violence in particular municipalities were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Taking national policy for reducing accident- and violence-related morbidity and mortality as a point of reference, then it can be seen that some advances have been made in the city of Recife; however, many shortcomings can still be seen in terms of introducing such policy.
Lima
Maria Luiza Carvalho de
ML
Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
Souza
Edinilsa Ramos de
ER
Deslandes
Suely Ferreira
SF
Kelly
Alice
A
Cabral
Amanda Priscila de Santana
AP
D000059:Accidents / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000552:Ambulances; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006291:Health Policy; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014218:Triage; D014504:Urban Health; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data