Sammanfattning
Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate selected procedures at the regional emergency dispatch center in Copenhagen. Materials and methods: Data from 1358 emergency calls for ambulances were collected. Results: In 942 cases (69%), the dispatchers believed that they were able to get the necessary information from the caller. In 18% of the emergency calls, the dispatchers felt a need to have better procedures or to be able to discuss the call with a doctor or put the doctor into direct contact with the caller. In 58% of the emergency ambulance dispatches, the codes used for communication between the dispatch centre and the ambulances were regarded as adequate by the dispatcher, and in 73% of the dispatches the EMTs thought the information given was sufficient. The physician-manned ambulance staffs regarded the information as being sufficient in 66% of the cases. Discussion: There seems to be a need for better routines and procedures regarding call taking and ambulance dispatch, and there might be a need for the dispatch centre to have the opportunity to discuss difficult cases with an on-duty doctor.