Clinical Research Directory

The Pre-POCT-Non-Conveyance Trial: Prehospital Point-of-Care Testing to Support Non-Conveyance Decisions

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether rapid blood tests performed in the ambulance can help identify adults who can safely remain at home instead of being transported to hospital. Ambulance clinicians frequently assess adults who are transported to hospital but discharged shortly after arrival without requiring advanced diagnostic testing or treatment. In this study, researchers will examine whether adding rapid point-of-care blood testing (POCT) at the scene supports ambulance clinicians and Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (EMDC) physicians in making more informed decisions about hospital conveyance. POCT provides rapid measurements of biomarkers including infection markers, electrolytes, kidney function, blood counts, and total carbon dioxide (a proxy measure related to acid-base status). Ten ambulance clusters will participate in a matched, cluster-randomized design. Half will provide standard care, and half will have access to POCT following consultation with an EMDC physician in patients who would otherwise be transported. The main question is whether access to POCT increases the proportion of patients who remain at home rather than being transported to hospital. Safety outcomes will include hospital admission within 24 hours among non-conveyed patients, short-stay hospitalization (defined as admission \<6 hours without advanced interventions), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 30-day mortality. This study will evaluate whether POCT-supported decision-making can increase non-conveyance without compromising patient safety.

Ultrasound Applications for Emergency Medical Technicians in Taiwan

The goal of this prospective observational study is to develop and assess the core ultrasound applications for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Taiwan. The study focuses on advanced emergency medical technicians (EMT-Ps) and their ability to perform point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in prehospital settings. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can a standardized POCUS training program improve EMT-Ps' competency in ultrasound applications? What is the reliability and validity of the newly established POCUS assessment modules for EMT-Ps? Researchers will compare trained EMT-Ps' ultrasound proficiency and clinical decision-making before and after training to see if structured POCUS education enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient care in prehospital settings. Participants will: Attend a structured POCUS training program, including lectures and hands-on practice with standardized patients and simulation models. Undergo competency assessments, including written exams, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and image interpretation tests. Perform ultrasound scans on actual patients in prehospital settings, focusing on trauma, respiratory distress, stroke, and cardiac arrest cases. Receive feedback and participate in follow-up assessments to evaluate knowledge retention and clinical application.

Retrospective Data Analysis With the Aim to Determine the Success Rate of Endotracheal Intubation in the First Attempt in the Zug Rescue Service With Various Airway Devices Already in Everyday Use

Airway management is a critical procedure in emergency medicine, especially endotracheal intubation, which can be life-saving. Various techniques, such as video laryngoscopes and conventional laryngoscopes, are used, with success depending on first-pass success. The aim of this retrospective data analysis is to determine the success rate of endotracheal intubation in the first attempt in the Zug Rescue Service between 01/20 and 01/25 with various airway management devices already used in everyday life. The individual complications should secondary with regard to frequency and category as well as possible risk factors. risk factors. The aim is to examine the data on airway management of patients who had to be intubated due to a critical illness (e.g. impaired oxygenation or ventilation, reduced vigilance, cardiovascular arrest, etc.). The data is continuously collected and evaluated by the RDZ as part of quality assurance.