Prevalence and severity of pediatric cases in Stockholm’s physician-staffed prehospital units: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Ambulance missions involving pediatric patients are common in emergency medical services (EMS) globally, with variations in prevalence based on geographic location. This retrospective cohort study analyzes the prehospital physician staffed units (p-EMS) in Stockholm, assignment dispatches and the prehospital characteristics and interventions involved, from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Methods Utilizing data from LogEze, a quality assurance system, we reviewed all Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) operations in the Stockholm Region, which totaled 4,682 pediatric assignments. The analysis included dispatch types and interventions assessing the frequency and nature of pediatric prehospital missions. Results Pediatric cases constituted 20.0 % of RRV dispatches, with the majority involving respiratory distress, seizures, and blunt trauma. Despite high dispatch rates, advanced medical interventions were seldom required, indicating most pediatric cases were not severe. Stand-downs occurred in 30.1 % of cases, reflecting the cautious approach in pediatric dispatches. Furthermore, the study observed a significant reliance on p-EMS for complex pediatric cases, underscoring the value of specialized training and resources in managing such emergencies. Conclusion The study highlights the crucial role of p-EMS in enhancing pediatric emergency care in Stockholm. Despite frequent pediatric dispatches, the low incidence of severe cases underscores the need for precise triage and resource allocation. This analysis supports the need for continuous training and resource optimization in p-EMS to ensure high-quality care for pediatric patients across varied emergency scenarios.