Non-urgent demand for pre-hospital emergency services in Tehran province: First half of 2021

Introduction: The demand for pre-hospital emergency services is increasing globally, with a significant number of cases being non-urgent. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of non-urgent demand and to investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics, medication use, underlying diseases, vital signs, and the day and time of non-urgent demand contacts. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study utilized information from 300 individuals who had contacted the emergency medical services of Tehran province in the first six months of 2021. Proportional sampling was conducted for two groups of individuals that had made urgent and non-urgent demands to the emergency medical services. Multivariate logistic regression and Chi-square statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: More than one-third (33 percent) of all calls made to the emergency services of Tehran province were non-urgent demand. Place of residence, normal heart rate and oxygen level, underlying cardiovascular disease, and not taking medication were also statistically significantly associated with non-urgent demand at the 95% confidence level (P<0.05). The most common reason for contacting the emergency services was cardiac problems (23.5% for the urgent demand group and 28% for the non-urgent demand group). Conclusion: Place of residence, heart rate, oxygen levels, underlying diseases, and medication are associated with non-urgent demand for emergency services. Addressing these factors by authorities during decision-making and planning will help direct valuable financial and human resources toward responding to truly urgent demands.