Online ISSN: 2577-5669

Applications to Emergency Medical Services from Schools: a Retrospective Study

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Buket Meral , Hacer Kobya Bulut
» doi: 10.5455/jcmr.2024.15.01.11

Abstract

Aim and Background: Children spend a significant part of the day in school. During this time, injuries or any illness are likely to occur that may require emergency medical care. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiological characteristics associated with the reasons for applications to emergency medical services from schools and with the conceptual framework of school health. Methods: This retrospective study conducted with province emergency medical services (EMS) data. 4043 cases that applications to EMS from school between 2014-2019 were determined and analyzed. The scope of this research was reviewed patient characteristics, time, and season of the emergency medical service application, diagnostic type, triage, and interventions. Results: The mean age was 14.0±3.20, 58.7% were female, and 52.8% were transferred to the hospital by ambulance. Most of the applications were caused by non-traumatic reasons. The reason for application varied according to gender and age (p<0.001). While 5-12-year-old students applied mostly due to trauma; female and 13-18 year-old students applied frequently due to non-traumatic reasons (p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study are thought to contribute to the development of school health strategies. The strategies should focus on the specific age and gender groups and medical health conditions, especially mental health. However, there is a need for further research into identifying risk factors to better understand the underlying mechanisms and potential interactions with other factors.

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