Research on both sides of the globe shows that unmanageable workloads is the main reason why many ambulance service staff are considering quitting the profession.
Ambulance response times have not always met targets, but the alarming new pinch point in our health-care system is that there are no ambulances at all available to respond to calls.
With more than half a million notifications of suspected child maltreatment each year in Australia, we need to explore the better use of our health-care workforces to prevent maltreatment.
Ambulance services are facing unfair criticism for a situation which is not of their making. The workforce is in crisis, with system-wide pressures seriously hampering their ability to do their jobs.
Adding more beds won’t fix emergency department pressures. Neither will one-size-fits-all processes. But improving patient flow and addressing staff shortages might.
Long lines of ambulances have hit the headlines in recent weeks. But ‘ramping’ isn’t a new problem for patients or paramedics. COVID means we must fix it now.
The public deserves an ambulance service that advocates for their staff and their patients, not the needs of politicians who want a simple number to demonstrate their effectiveness.
Erin Duffy, University of Southern California; Erin Trish, University of Southern California et Loren Adler, University of Southern California
Surprise medical bills have led to financial pain and suffering on top of whatever ailed a patient in the first place. A recent study shows that the practice drives up costs for everyone.
Immediate CPR and defibrillation can be key to surviving a cardiac arrest. A smartphone app is mobilising community responders who can help before emergency services arrive.