• Documentation of atrial fibrillation among non-conveyed ambulance patients: a new primary prevention opportunity?

  Heppenstall, Emily; McClelland, Graham; Price, Christopher; Wilkinson, Chris (2022-06-01)

  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is a significant risk factor for stroke. Prescription of oral anticoagulant (OAC) medication reduces the risk of AF-related stroke by 64% - yet over 400,000 people in England have undiagnosed (and therefore untreated) AF.Emergency medical services (EMS) encounter a wide range of patients, some of whom may not engage with other healthcare services. AF may be detected by EMS in connection with the cause of the call, or as an incidental finding. While EMS are not traditionally utilised for public health screening, they may offer an opportunity to identify patients with undiagnosed or untreated AF and refer onward.This study aimed to explore what proportion of patients seen by EMS who were not transported to hospital had AF and to estimate how many would potentially benefit from OAC. Abstract published with permission.
• Prehospital management of sickle cell crisis: a case report

  Davies, Jack (2022-06)

  Sickle cell disease (SCD) covers a group of inherited conditions that affect the red blood cells. It can cause episodes of intense pain called sickle cell crises. This case study outlines a 10-year-old boy’s first presentation of sickle cell crisis. The patient presents with typical sickle cell crisis pain in joints that is exacerbated by movement and related to strenuous physical exercise in the cold. This pain is caused by the sickled red blood cells occluding the microvasculature, causing tissue ischaemia. SCD is a serious disease and requires early recognition through robust clinical assessment to reduce the potential for fatality, complications and morbidity. Understanding the pathology of disease ensures paramedics work appropriately, using their knowledge to identify a patient with SCD and using skills to inform practice. Initiating the correct treatment is paramount in reducing the likelihood of fatal complications. Abstract published with permission.
• Students' experience and perceived value of a clinical simulation centre

  Mortimer, Craig; Ooms, Ann (2022-06-02)

  The emergence of new technology and innovation has seen dedicated simulation centres being designed and built to assist with the development of a range of professionals within the ever-changing healthcare setting. Focusing on the university environment, this study examined the extent to which paramedic students perceive these simulation centres as efficient and effective learning spaces. Abstract published with permission.
• To inform or not? A qualitative evaluation of patient and public opinions on providing information about research participation following out of hospital cardiac arrest

  Pocock, Helen; Deakin, Charles; Lall, Ranjit; Couper, Keith; Price, John; Perkins, Gavin (2022-06-01)
• A qualitative exploration of the views of paramedics regarding the identification of cardiovascular risk factors in the pre-hospital environment

  Taylor, Josie; McClelland, Graham (2022-06-01)

  Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the most prominent cause of death in England. Healthcare professionals have been encouraged to identify cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). The aim of this study was to explore how paramedics contribute to the identification of CVRFs in the pre-hospital setting, through their role, behaviours and practice. Methods: The study took place within the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust supported by a National Institute for Health Research clinical research internship. A qualitative approach was used, and a single focus group was conducted. The study recruited participants through advertising for volunteers and purposive sampling. The themes that arose from the focus group allowed the initial exploration of the views of paramedics in relation to role, behaviour and practice in identifying CVRFs. Results: A single focus group with five paramedics was conducted in June 2021. Two central themes emerged: education/health promotion and fear/anxiety. Participants agreed that their role in this area centred around patient education. Participants’ behaviours and practice were adversely affected through fear of complaints, fear of hypocrisy and feeling a lack of support from the ambulance service. Participants felt that further training and subsequent indemnity from complaints would improve the likelihood of more direct patient education. Support from the ambulance service to improve employees’ own health and well-being was also a key topic of discussion. Conclusion: The study explored the views of a small sample of paramedics on this topic. Patient education was felt to be part of a paramedic’s role; however, barriers were identified that prevent paramedics from carrying out this role. Further research is needed to explore these barriers further. https://eds.p.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=a11c8d03-9e54-4c50-a80a-c539f1e3f04d%40redis This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.29045/14784726.2022.06.7.1.19

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