Abstract
BackgroundDizziness is a relatively common symptom among patients who call for the emergency medical services (EMS).AimTo identify factors of importance for the early identification of a time-sensitive condition behind the symptom of dizziness among patients assessed by the EMS.MethodsAll patients assessed by the EMS and triaged using Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment (RETTS) for adults code 11 (=dizziness) in the 660,000 inhabitants in the Municipality of Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2016, were considered for inclusion. The patients were divided into two groups according to the final diagnosis (a time-sensitive condition, yes or no).ResultsThere were 1536 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 96 (6.2%) had a time-sensitive condition. The majority of these had a stroke/transitory ischaemic attack (TIA). Eight predictors of a time-sensitive condition were identified. Three were associated with a reduced risk: 1) the dizziness was of a rotatory type, 2) the dizziness had a sudden onset and 3) increasing body temperature. Five were associated with an increased risk: 1) sudden onset of headache, 2) a history of head trauma, 3) symptoms of nausea or vomiting, 4) on treatment with anticoagulants and 5) increasing systolic blood pressure.ConclusionAmong 1536 patients who were triaged by the EMS for dizziness, 6.2% had a time-sensitive condition. On the arrival of the EMS, eight factors were associated with the risk of having a time-sensitive condition. All these factors were linked to the type of symptoms or to clinical findings on the arrival of the EMS or to the recent clinical history.
Highlights
Dizziness is a relatively common symptom among patients who call for the emergency medical services (EMS)
Among 1536 patients who were triaged by the EMS for dizziness, 6.2% had a time-sensitive condition
We recently reported that about 3 % of patients seen by the EMS are assessed as suffering from dizziness [2]
Summary
Dizziness is a relatively common symptom among patients who call for the emergency medical services (EMS). Dizziness is a relatively common symptom among patients who seek emergency care. Many of these patients dial 112, which is the telephone number when ambulance transport to hospital is required in Sweden. Among patients assessed by the EMS, it is important to determine whether they have a time-sensitive condition, i.e. a condition that requires immediate medical intervention either in the emergency department or, for example, in the cathlab. It has previously been reported that about 3 % of patients who visit the emergency department do so because of dizziness [1]. We recently reported that about 3 % of patients seen by the EMS are assessed as suffering from dizziness [2]
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