 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Barbara M Stepanski, MPH, Leslie Upledger Ray, MA, MPPA, Edward M. Castillo, PhD, MPH, and Alan M Smith, MPH. Health and Human Services Agency, Division of Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, 6255 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-285-6429, barbara.stepanski@sdcounty.ca.gov
Background: Years before 9/11/01 researchers developed a real-time surveillance system to monitor public health events in a metropolitan area with 2.8 million population and 15 million overnight visitors annually. Originally to monitor flu outbreaks, this system has evolved to monitor much more, including injury events. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for 1-34 year olds, and fifth for all ages. Additionally, costs and years of productive life lost associated with injury related mortality/morbidity are a societal burden. Methods: Researchers monitored prehospital activity using a real-time electronic system that records data from paramedic and mobile intensive care nurses (MICNs). Data included mechanism of injury/Ecodes, acuity/status, run outcome, location, hospital(s), patient demographics, etc. Data were compared to previous days, weeks and years to identify injury indicators such as outcome, risk factors, and protective factors. Baselines and standard thresholds were established, for each mechanism, to trigger further investigation. Results: With 250,000 annual records, researchers tracked system volume, patient destinations and outcomes in real time. This allowed for systematic evaluation and response to system needs. For example, the annual rate of unarmed assaults was actually quite low however when viewed daily the sporadic frequency and specific characteristics became clear. Unarmed fights varied by week, increased during holiday weeks and summer, and 55% responded to by paramedics/EMTs occurred on weekends. Such findings have generated awareness and education/prevention efforts for all levels of prehopital personnel. Conclusions: This population surveillance system demonstrates effective and efficient use of local data to improve public health and safety.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Emergency, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.