Der psychiatrische notfall im rettungsdienst: Häufigkeit, versorgung und beurteilung durch notärzte und rettungsdienstpersonal

Translated title of the contribution: Psychiatric emergencies in preclinical emergency medical service: Frequency, treatment, and assessment by emergency physicians and paramedics

F. G. Pajonk, H. H. Bartels, P. Biberthaler, T. Bregenzer, H. Moecke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Preclinical psychiatric emergency situations (PES) rank third in frequency of calls in the German emergency medical system (EMS). However, few data exist concerning relevance and treatment of PES. The aim of this study was to investigate this relevance in preclinical EMS and its appraisal by emergency physicians and paramedics. The protocols filled in by EMS physicians on emergency duty in a German district were evaluated concerning PES. In addition, the emergency physicians and paramedics of the district were asked to complete a validated questionnaire concerning the importance, their own understanding of PES, and interest in training programs. With 9.2%, preclinical PES ranked third in frequency of all EMS calls. The most frequent case was substance abuse disorder (70%),followed by suicide attempts or ideation (33%). Specific therapy for psychiatric disorders is hardly ever performed. Emergency physicians and paramedics estimated the importance of knowledge about PES as high but rated their own knowledge as poor. Assessing five typical PES, emergency physicians gave the correct diagnoses in 71% of cases (paramedics 39%) and the correct therapy in 32% (paramedics 14%). The interest in training programs was significantly higher in experienced EMS physicians. Preclinical PES is a relevant diagnosis within EMS and correct treatment is hampered by limited knowledge. Sufficient training is not yet available, although programs are necessary and the willingness to participate in them is high.

Translated title of the contributionPsychiatric emergencies in preclinical emergency medical service: Frequency, treatment, and assessment by emergency physicians and paramedics
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)685-692
Number of pages8
JournalNervenarzt
Volume72
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

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