Driving the ambulance: an essential component of emergency medical services: an integrative review

Julia Becker,Karin Hugelius

doi:10.1186/s12873-021-00554-9

Abstract

BackgroundThe transport of patients from one location to another is a fundamental part of emergency medical services. However, little interest has been shown in the actual driving of the ambulance. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate how the driving of the ambulance affects the patient and the medical care provided in an emergency medical situation.MethodsA systematic integrative review using both quantitative and qualitative designs based on 17 scientific papers published between 2011 and 2020 was conducted.ResultsAmbulance driving, both the actual speed, driving pattern, navigation, and communication between the driver and the patient, influenced both the patient’s medical condition and the possibility of providing adequate care during the transport. The driving itself had an impact on prehospital time spent on the road, safety, comfort, and medical issues. The driver’s health and ability to manage stress caused by traffic, time pressure, sirens, and disturbing moments also significantly influenced ambulance transport safety.ConclusionsThe driving of the ambulance had a potential effect on patient health, wellbeing, and safety. Therefore, driving should be considered an essential part of the medical care offered within emergency medical services, requiring specific skills and competence in both medicine, stress management, and risk approaches in addition to the technical skills of driving a vehicle. Further studies on the driving, environmental, and safety aspects of being transported in an ambulance are needed from a patient’s perspective.

Highlights

The transport of patients from one location to another is a fundamental part of emergency medical services
There is a need for this integrative review aimed at investigating how the driving of the ambulance affects the patient and care within emergency medical services
None of the studies identified in the search were excluded due to low quality, and no disagreements between the authors occurred during the quality appraisal process

Summary

Introduction

The transport of patients from one location to another is a fundamental part of emergency medical services. Little interest has been shown in the actual driving of the ambulance. This review aimed to investigate how the driving of the ambulance affects the patient and the medical care provided in an emergency medical situation. Ambulance services worldwide provide out-of-hospital assessment, medical care, and treatment, and, if needed, transport of patients suffering injuries or illnesses. The organization of emergency medical services (EMS) and the ambulance personnel’s competence and formal roles differ globally. Little interest has been paid to the actual transport of the patient: in practice, how driving of the ambulance influences the patient’s condition and the medical care provided. There is a need for this integrative review aimed at investigating how the driving of the ambulance affects the patient and care within emergency medical services

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Discussion

Conclusion