RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Callers' experiences of making emergency calls at the onset of acute stroke: a qualitative study
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 502
OP 505
DO 10.1136/emj.2010.108563
VO 29
IS 6
A1 Stephanie P Jones
A1 Hazel A Dickinson
A1 Gary A Ford
A1 Josephine M E Gibson
A1 Michael J Leathley
A1 Joanna J McAdam
A1 Alison McLoughlin
A1 Tom Quinn
A1 Caroline L Watkins
YR 2012
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/29/6/502.abstract
AB Background Rapid access to emergency medical services (EMS) is essential at the onset of acute stroke, but significant delays in contacting EMS often occur.Objective To explore factors that influence the caller's decision to contact EMS at the onset of stroke, and the caller's experiences of the call.Methods Participants were identified through a purposive sample of admissions to two hospitals via ambulance with suspected stroke. Participants were interviewed using open-ended questions and content analysis was undertaken.Results 50 participants were recruited (median age 62 years, 68% female). Only one of the callers (2%) was the patient. Two themes were identified that influenced the initial decision to contact EMS at the onset of stroke: perceived seriousness, and receipt of lay or professional advice. Two themes were identified in relation to the communication between the caller and the call handler: symptom description by the caller, and emotional response to onset of stroke symptoms.Conclusions Many callers seek lay or professional advice prior to contacting EMS and some believe that the onset of acute stroke symptoms does not warrant an immediate 999 call. More public education is needed to improve awareness of stroke and the need for an urgent response.