The indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of the emergency medical services during the first pandemic wave: A system-wide study of Tuscany Region, Italy

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264806
• Publication Date: 2022-07-01T17:31:14Z
• Authors: Vieri Lastrucci; Francesca Collini; Silvia Forni; Sara D’Arienzo; Valeria Di Fabrizio; Primo Buscemi; Chiara Lorini; Fabrizio Gemmi; Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
• Keywords: Pandemic

Utilization of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) declined during COVID-19 pandemic, but most the studies analyzed components EMS system individually. The study aimed to evaluate indirect impact pandemic on utilization all Tuscany Region (Italy) first wave.Administrative data from health care were used. Changes in for out-of-hospital emergency calls and vehicle dispatched, department (ED) visits, patients being admitted ED an inpatient hospital bed (hospitalizations ED) wave relation with corresponding periods previous two years. Percentage changes 95%CI calculated Poisson models. Standardized Ratios in-hospital mortality hospitalizations requiring ICU.Significant declines observed considered starting week which case was diagnosed Italy till end wave. During epidemic peak, maximum decreases observed: -33% calls, -45% dispatch vehicles, -71% admissions. Furthermore, a decline 37% recorded. Significant admissions life threatening medical conditions acute cerebrovascular disease (-36%, 95% CI: -43, -29), myocardial infarction (-42%, -52, -31) renal failure -31). No significant differences found between expected ICU peak.All showed large their pandemic; furthermore, major reductions time-dependent life-threatening conditions. Efforts should be made ensure access safe high-quality pandemic.