A new study identifies three medical emergencies that account for the most EMS calls at schools. Researchers recommend improved training for these target areas.
More than 1 out of 10 emergency medical responses involving children occur at school, a new study finds. And two-thirds of those calls result in students being transported to the hospital.
Researchers reviewed data from the national EMS registry, and between 2018 and 2022, the top three medical emergencies at school were neurological crises such as seizures and psychiatric conditions, substance abuse, and trauma-related injuries.
Physical trauma was more common in elementary school age students, while psychiatric conditions and substance abuse were more common among adolescents.
The senior author says, “Given the ongoing mental health crisis in youth, we were not surprised to find that psychiatric conditions and substance abuse were among the most common emergencies in schools.”
While many schools have taken steps to prepare for medical emergencies, the researchers say these findings highlight specific areas in need of enhanced training.
They also recommend emergency medications be available in school settings, including benzodiazepine for seizures, epinephrine for food allergies and albuterol for asthma.
Source: Pediatrics
Author Affiliations Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
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