Prehospital Providers' Perceptions of Emergency Calls Near Life's End. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waldrop, Deborah; Clemency, Brian; Maguin, Eugene; Lindstrom, Heather
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 32:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: patient/family care -- end-of-life decision making -- emergency care -- end-of-life care; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909113518962
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

The nature of emergency end-of-life calls is changing as people live longer and die from chronic illnesses. This study explored prehospital providers' perceptions of (1) end-of-life 911 calls, (2) the signs and symptoms of dying, and (3) medical orders for life sustaining treatment (MOLST). The exploratory–descriptive pilot study was survey based and cross-sectional. Calls to nursing homes occur most often, (47.8% every shift). The MOLST was seen infrequently (57.9% rarely never). The most frequent signs and symptoms of dying were diagnosis (76%), hospice involvement (82%), apnea (75%), mottling (55%), and shortness of breath (48%). The MOLST identifies wishes about intubation (74%), resuscitation (74%), life-sustaining treatment (72%), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (70%). Synergy exists between the fields of prehospital, hospice, and palliative medicine which offers potential for improved education and care.