OBJECTIVES Changes in air temperature and its relation to ambulance transports due to heat stroke in all 47 prefectures, in Japan were evaluated. METHODS Data on air temperature were obtained from the Japanese Meteorological Agency. Data on ambulance transports due to heat stroke was directly obtained from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan. We also used the number of deaths due t...

OBJECTIVES To investigate the feasibility and potential risk benefit of prehospital administration of activated charcoal. METHODS Review of deliberate self poisoning presentations to the emergency department (ED) of a toxicology unit by ambulance over six years. Data were extracted from a standardised prospective database of poisonings. Outcomes included: number of patients attended by ambula...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the results of resuscitation of patients with cardiac arrest by ambulance staff with extended training in West Yorkshire. DESIGN Study of all such attempts at resuscitation over 32 months, based on the standard report form for each call made by the ambulance staff and the electrocardiogram that showed the initial rhythm in each patient. SETTING Area covered by West ...

BACKGROUND The release pattern of copeptin during the initial 36 h of spontaneous acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has received relatively little investigation but may provide important information on optimal timing of diagnostic measurements. METHODS We investigated the release pattern of copeptin and cardiac troponin T in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Blood samples...

OBJECTIVE To ascertain the frequency with which paramedics follow protocols for the administration of aspirin to patients to whom an ambulance is called for chest pain associated with suspected ischaemic heart disease. METHODS Ambulance services in England and Wales who had conducted a recent aspirin administration audit were identified through the National Clinical Effectiveness Programme fo...

"Reforming Emergency Care" has huge implications for ambulance services to develop their future role and the opportunity to improve patient care. This article aims to stimulate debate on the effect on ambulance services in the United Kingdom.