Abstract PR521

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Low income countries (LICs) have limited prehospital care for trauma and emergencies. Taxis frequently serve as makeshift ambulances, filling critical emergency personnel shortages. The WHO recommends teaching laypersons as a step in the development of professional emergency medical systems. This survey evaluates Mozambique taxi driver interest and barriers in delivering basic health care. Materials & Methods: Mozambique taxi drivers were surveyed about their experiences with emergencies in Quelimane (provincial setting) and Maputo (urban setting). Quelimane population was chosen by convenience sampling. Maputo surveys targeted taxi drivers at Maputo Central Hospital (MCH), the country’s largest hospital, as well as drivers in Zona Coop, a neighborhood away from hospital centers. Results: 23 Maputo MCH drivers (23 cars, 1 chapela/bike, 1 chapa/minibus), 21 Maputo neighborhood drivers (17 cars, 3 chapelas), and 7 Quelimane (all cars) answered the survey for a total of 51. 3 participants did not finish. Etiology of emergencies included labor, hemorrhage, “sick person,” stroke, syncope, epilepsy, anemia, edema. 2 patients died in the car. Only 5 drivers were concerned about their own safety. 16 drivers requested basic health care training, 8 trauma kits, 3 an emergency number, and 7 support from physicians. FPO Conclusion: The use of non-emergency vehicles and lay providers for basic life support and transportation is important where there is a critical shortage of prehospital care. Previous studies in LICs indicate that laypersons are able to retain information and provide basic care and transport to those in need. These drivers may benefit from an organized system that would assist them to act as emergency responders that includes a standardized course development. Filling the gap for initial emergency and trauma care is an important priority as LICs scale up for greater surgical, anesthesia, and critical care capacity.