The publics perception of prehospital emergency care in the County of Skane, southern Sweden

The prehospital emergency care has had a rapid progress in
Sweden in terms of technology, treatments and personnel education
demands. In the County of Skane there is at least one
specialized nurse in every ambulance. Possible misuses of the
resources by the public have been acknowledged. Aim: To investigate
the public’s use, knowledge and expectations of the
prehospital emergency care in Skane, southern Sweden. Method:
A cross sectional descriptive survey, using a stratified sampling.
Inclusion criteria were: 18 year or older and currently
living in Skane. Results: Of 735 people who were asked 54.4%
(n = 400) chose to participate in the study. 44.0% of the respondents
had been transported with ambulance. 34.5% of
the respondents believed that the lowest educated personnel
responsible for the patient was the paramedic. The results show
that the respondents trust the personnel’s knowledge and work
skills. Older informants expected faster treatment by a physician
when arriving by ambulance to the hospital, regardless of
medical condition. Conclusion: The public had confidence
in the ambulance personnel’s knowledge, ability to make assessment
and give treatment despite not being updated on the
current competence of the personnel. A positive experience of
contact with the ambulance service was distinct.

Author(s): Kristina Blomstedt

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