[Prehospital emergencies (emergencies and acute cases) in childhood]

Abstract

Objective: To determine incidence and management of prehospital emergencies in children.

Methods: Between November 15, 1994 and March 14, 1995 in the City of Mainz (200,000 inhabitants) children with the diagnosis of a prehospital emergency were identified.

Results: 390 children were discovered, 62% in the age group 0-3 years. 85% of the emergency conditions occurred at home. In 71% the medical practitioner providing prehospital care was a paediatrician, in 14% an emergency physician. 48% of the children were transported to the Children's Hospital by the parents. 32 different types of emergency were diagnosed, 8 types more than 10 times. A retrospective analysis of 386 emergencies demonstrated an acute life-threatening situation in 12%. Lacking a final diagnosis in 19%, first and final diagnosis were identical in 64% of all children evaluated.

Conclusions: In Germany acute life-threatening emergencies are rare. Paediatricians are mainly involved also in the care of children with emergency conditions. Most pediatricians and nonpaediatricians are familiar with the relevant prehospital emergency conditions in the young children mainly concerned.