Utilization of Emergency Medical Services among Older People: A Case Study in Iran

Introduction: The need for emergency medical services (EMS) is growing because of the rapidly aging population. This study aimed to assess the utilization of EMS among older people in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This retrospective study used data from the missions carried out by EMS in 2014-15. All of EMS records were analyzed over a continuous 12-month period by choosing selected profiles from the middle month of each quarter. Results: Among all 10940 missions accomplished in four months, 4175 (38.16 %) calls were for patients aged 60 years and older. A significant association was found between service characteristics and gender/age groups. Women and older people aged 80 - 84 years were more likely to use emergency services. Moreover, the older people had a higher proportion of histories for cardiovascular disease, respiratory difficulties, cerebrovascular accident, fall-related injuries, poisoning, and suicide. Conclusion: Older people constituted a large proportion of EMS which mostly were transferred to emergency departments. As the older adult population grows, health systems should prepare appropriate services by making changes in training, operations, and equipment.