Implementation of a Prehospital ALS (Advanced Life Support) Program in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Jung, Eui Gi; Shin, Sang Do; Hong, Ki Jeong; Song, Kyoung Jun

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of the implementation of prehospital advanced life support programs and share in-hospital medical direction center operation experience.
METHODS
From Oct. to Dec. 2008, twenty fire safety centers in Seoul metropolitan city took part in a pilot implementation of advanced life support programs with medical services as follow: prehospital 12 lead ECG transmission for patients with chest pain, a prehospital CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) program for patients with dyspnea, a prehospital stroke scale application for patients with neurologic problems, and real-time audio-visual information transmission for patients with traumatic injuries.
RESULTS
A total of 6,741 patients were transported to hospitals by emergency response ambulances to twenty five different safety centers. Of the total number of patients, 304 received advanced life support management. The prehospital use of 12 lead ECG transmission was 57.89%, real-time ECG was 27.45%, continuous positive airway pressure was 20.60%, stroke scale was 25%, and real-time audio-visual information was 5.98%. A Delphi survey using a panel which was expert in prehospital implementation of advanced life support programs concluded that prehospital ECG transmission and stroke scale programs should be implemented. However, they decided against implementation of the continuous positive airway pressure and real-time audio-visual information programs.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the feasibility of implementation of a prehospital conventional 12 lead ECG program was good and the Delphi survey concurred that the ECG transmission and prehospital stroke scale programs should be implemented.