ADHS 911 Call Volume Dashboard reveals valuable data to improve state EMS and trauma response

By

Soraya Marashi

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In November, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of EMS and Trauma System launched the 911 Call Volume Dashboard to track and understand trends in EMS and trauma data at the state and regional levels.

 

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According to ADHS, the Bureau of EMS and Trauma System collects, analyzes, and reports on data from over 160 participating EMS agencies through the Arizona Prehospital Information and Emergency Medical Services Registry System. 

“After collecting over a decade of EMS data, we are proud to be able to now support the 911 dashboard on our department’s website,” Rachel Garcia, Bureau Chief of EMS and Trauma System at ADHS, told State of Reform.

Garcia said the dashboard will provide the department with valuable information on emergency trends in the state.

“ADHS is able to use the data to review statewide trends, and work with stakeholders such as the participating EMS agencies, and develop programs and guidance that can help improve both patient and provider health,” she said. 

“We work with those EMS agencies to evaluate the data and make sure that our programming is aimed at addressing those health trends.”

According to the dashboard, 19,485 calls were placed to 911, including 361 calls related to a cardiac arrest, 296 related to a stroke, 1,339 related to a fall, and 612 related to a motor vehicle crash. 

Garcia emphasized the value of this tool they are using to gain insight into the state’s EMS and trauma system. 

“It is a tool that we can use to gain insight into different metrics that we may be able to move the needle on in the future,” she said.

“An example is by tracking cardiac arrest trends, which is one of the metrics that is displayed on the dashboard, we have actually been able to evaluate hands-only CPR, and some of the evidence-based treatments for cardiac arrest that have improved patient survival over the last 10 years. Tracking 911 data helps us better understand trends and implement programs to improve the system and patient outcomes.”

Garcia added that in 2023, the department will be focused on expanding the Save Hearts in Arizona Registry and Education (SHARE) program. The program is a partnership between ADHS and the University of Arizona to improve survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. 

“Over the last decade of collecting information through the EMS registry, we have been able to evaluate cardiac arrest trends, and again, the effectiveness of hands-only CPR,” she said. “The SHARE program … is an education initiative, and we hope over the coming years to be able to work with many more providers, including 911 dispatch, to be able to make sure that we continue to improve CPR education. It’s really a great program that we want to continue to promote.”