Therapeutic measures in a moving ambulance: Qualitative study of professional opinions regarding prehospital emergencies

Abstract

Background: current organization of the prehospital emergency teams, decreasing the prehospital times, given the possibility of working during the patient’s transport and, therefore, the consequences that may result from the same improving the prognostic. Objectives: To explore the opinion of professional healthcare experts regarding prehospital emergencies arising when forced to assist a critical patient in a moving vehicle, based on a high-fidelity clinical simulation, as well as the factors influencing them. Methods: An exploratory study of content analysis with qualitative methodology, via semi-structured questionnaires that are self-completed anonymously, before and after the clinical simulation intervention in which participants intubate a mannequin in a moving ambulance. The sample consisted of 36 experts in prehospital emergencies from the province of Alicante (Spain). Codification and assessment of the data obtained was carried out via triangulation, respecting the language and literal expressions of the participants. Results: Thirty-two pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were completed. Four different units of meaning or categories emerged which were organized based on two thematic structures, from the perspective of professional and patient needs. Twenty-three participants had never previously intubated in a moving vehicle. Discussion: Working in a moving vehicle may be yet another aspect to consider in the specialized teaching–learning process of prehospital emergency medicine. Conclusion: Based on the need to decrease prehospital assistance times, a new paradigm has been opened in prehospital emergencies with the possibility of being able to safely assist our patients during their transport on a moving ambulance or helicopter. It will be necessary further research in the future.