Ambulance dispatch calls attributable to influenza A and other common respiratory viruses in the Netherlands (2014-2016).

Background: Ambulance dispatches could be useful for syndromic surveillance of severe respiratory infections. We evaluated whether ambulance dispatch calls of highest urgency reflect the circulation of influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenzavirus and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

Methods: We analysed calls from four ambulance call centres serving 25% of the population in the Netherlands (2014-2016).

Use of Ambulance Dispatch Calls for Surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections.

Ambulance dispatches for respiratory syndromes reflect incidence of influenza-like illness in primary care. Associations are highest in children (15%-34% of respiratory calls attributable to influenza), out-of-office hours (9%), and highest urgency-level calls (9%-11%). Ambulance dispatches might be an additional source of data for severe influenza surveillance.

Ambulance Transfer in Case of Postpartum Hemorrhage after Birth in Primary Midwifery Care in The Netherlands: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The objective of this prospective cohort study was to assess whether the 45-minute prehospital limit for ambulance transfer is met in case of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after midwifery-supervised home birth in The Netherlands and evaluate the process of ambulance transfer, maternal condition during transfer, and outcomes in relation to whether this limit was met.

Methods: Using ambulance report forms and medical charts, ambulance intervals, urgency coding, clinical condition (using the lowest Revised Trauma Score, [RTS]), and maternal outcomes were collected. From April 2008 to April 2010, midwives reported 72 cases of PPH.

[Malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma in an adult woman].

Background: Sacrococcygeal teratomas are neoplasms that are ordinarily diagnosed intrauterinely. In case of complete or partial intrapelvic sacrococcygeal teratoma, it may happen that it is only ascertained at a later age.

Case Description: During a regular monitoring visit for breast cancer a 58-year-old female reported that she had discovered a swelling at the level of her coccyx.