Is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Islamic Republic of Iran Practical and Efficient in Facing Ebola?

Comparison of the Antimicrobial Effect of Zataria Multiflora Essence and Deconex Surface on Microbial Load of Emergency Ambulances

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effect of Deconex Surface, a common disinfectant, and Zataria multiflora essence on microbial load of Emergency ambulance equipment in Iran. The samples were selected from all the ambulances through convenience sampling. Before the intervention, the cultures were obtained from the contact surfaces and the surfaces were then disinfected with Deconex and Zataria multiflora. Then, repeated cultures were obtained from the same surfaces. Next, the samples were immediately sent to a microbiology lab. The obtained data were entered into SPSS 2016 and analyzed using statistical tests. Results showed that disinfecting effect of Zataria multiflora is better than Deconex in eliminating certain bacterial species such as Staphylococcus and Bacillus. So Zataria multiflora essence can be used as a surface and hospital equipment disinfectant along with other disinfectant compounds.

Disaster preparedness in emergency medical service agencies: A systematic review

The Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) are in the frontline between the health-care systems and people in emergencies and disasters. With the increase in the frequency of natural or man-made disasters around the world, the need for prepared EMS services is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the current disaster preparedness status of the EMS agencies in the literature and exploring the key preparedness elements and the strategies to improve the EMS disaster preparedness. The electronic database such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was searched from 2000 to 2019. The searching keywords included: "EMS," "Disaster," "Preparedness," "Emergency" "Preparedness," "Disaster Preparedness," "Readiness," and the terms related to "disaster types" were used in combination with Boolean operators OR and AND. Out of 1412 articles, 7 articles were included in the review. The most important elements of the EMS disaster preparedness include the size and scope of the incident, surge capacity, planning, communication, training and education, policymaking, financial support, coordination, safety and security, early warning system, disaster response experience, and legal considerations. This systematic review showed that the EMS agencies in the world generally are inadequately prepared for an effective response to major emergencies and disasters. This study provides valuable information to EMS educators, EMS administrators to adopt and perform appropriate activities to improve the EMS disaster preparedness.

Development of quality indicators to measure pre-hospital emergency medical services for road traffic injury

Background

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PEC) is a fundamental property of prevention of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs). Thus, this sector requires a system for evaluation and performance improvement. This study aimed to develop quality indicators to measure PEC for RTIs.

Methods

Following the related literature review, 14 experts were interviewed through semi-structured interviews to identify Quality Measurement Indicators (QMIs). The extracted indicators were then categorized into three domains: structure, performance, and management. Finally, the identified QMIs were confirmed through two rounds of the Delphi technique.

Results

Using literature review 11 structural, 13 performance, and four managerial indicators (A total of 28 indicators) were identified. Also, four structural, four performance, and three managerial indicators (A total of 11indicators) were extracted from interviews with experts. Two indicators were excluded after two rounds of Delphi’s technics. Finally, 14 structural, 16 performance and, seven managerial indicators (A total of 37indicators) were finalized.

Conclusion

Due to the importance and high proportion of RTIs compared to other types of injuries, this study set out to design and evaluate the QMIs of PEC delivered for RTIs. The findings of this research contribute to measuring and planning aimed at improving the performance of PEC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06238-1.

Evaluating the disaster preparedness of emergency medical service agencies in the world: A systematic literature review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Disasters occur almost everywhere in the world, and preparation is essential. Preparedness is an effective approach for disaster management, and it is crucial for the health systems, especially the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies. This systematic review will be conducted to assess the preparedness levels of EMS agencies in the world for the response to disasters and explore the key dimensions and strategies to enhance it.

METHODOLOGY

This systematic literature review will be conducted to search comprehensively the articles published between 2000 and 2019 to explore the disaster preparedness of EMS Agencies. To this end, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar will be thoroughly assessed. The following terms and expression will be used for searching the databases: "EMS" and other keywords "Disaster Preparedness," "Mass Casualty Incident," "Mass Gathering," "Terrorist incident," "Weapons of Mass Destruction," and CBRNE, Disaster, included: 'Emergency Preparedness, Preparedness, Readiness.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review study has been conducted on disaster preparedness of EMS agencies in the world. This is the first study to address this gape. It will also explore the key dimensions of disaster preparedness in EMS services and the strategies to enhance their preparedness.

CONCLUSION

Identifying the key dimensions of disaster preparedness is the first step in designing valid assessment tools to evaluate disaster preparedness of EMS service. This study will provide valuable guides for EMS administrators and researchers in an attempt to enhance of preparedness of EMS systems in disasters.