What factors predict ambulance prealerts to the emergency department? Retrospective observational study from three UK ambulance services.

Objectives: Ambulance clinicians use prealert calls to advise emergency departments (ED) of the arrival of patients requiring immediate review or intervention. Consistency of prealert practice is important in ensuring appropriate ED response to prealert calls. We used routine data to describe prealert practice and explore factors affecting variation in practice.

How consistent are pre-alert guidelines? A review of UK ambulance service guidelines.

Aims: Ambulance pre-alerts are used to inform receiving emergency departments (EDs) of the arrival of critically unwell or rapidly deteriorating patients who need time-critical assessment or treatment immediately upon arrival. Inappropriate use of pre-alerts can lead to EDs diverting resources from other critically ill patients. However, there is limited guidance about how pre-alerts should be undertaken, delivered or communicated.