Reims, France – A critically important shift in emergency medical care delivery is underway in France, wiht the rollout of a new “Access to Care Service” (Sas) designed to alleviate pressure on the nation’s emergency call centers and ensure critical resources are available for life-threatening situations. The initiative, currently operating at the Reims University Hospital and expanding nationally, represents a proactive approach to managing increasing demand for emergency services.
New System Aims to Reduce Overload at Emergency Hotline
Table of Contents
- 1. New System Aims to Reduce Overload at Emergency Hotline
- 2. How the Access to Care Service Works
- 3. Impact and Future Implications
- 4. understanding Emergency Care Systems Globally
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about the Access to Care Service
- 6. How does the new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system at CHU Reims specifically improve resource allocation compared to the previous system?
- 7. Reims University Hospital Streamlines Emergency Call Management for Center 15
- 8. Enhancing Emergency Response in Reims: A New System for Center 15
- 9. Understanding Center 15 and its challenges
- 10. The New System: Key Features and Technologies
- 11. Benefits of the Streamlined System
- 12. Impact on Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) in Reims
- 13. practical Tips for callers to Center 15
- 14. Future Developments & Integration with Reims City Services
For decades, the number “15” has served as the primary access point for medical emergencies across France. However, officials report a substantial increase in non-urgent calls overwhelming the system. The Access to Care Service, launched in March, acts as a filter, directing those with less critical needs towards appropriate alternative care options. A comprehensive overhaul of the Samu de la Marne call center, completed at the end of 2024 at a cost of €150,000, enabled the integration of both services, supported by 4.5 additional regulatory assistant positions funded by the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Doctor Guillaume giordano Orsini, Medical Director of Samu 51, emphasized the autonomy of the two systems, stating, “The two sectors are entirely autonomous, but there are always human and computer exchanges.This is the advantage of having a single platform.” According to Doctor Orsini, approximately 95% of incoming calls are answered within 30 seconds.
How the Access to Care Service Works
When a citizen dials 15,a medical dispatch assistant initially assesses the situation. In genuine life-threatening emergencies, the call is promptly transferred to the Samu. Though, for non-critical cases, the Access to Care service, led by General Practitioner Louis Schvartz, assumes responsibility. The Sas utilizes a national digital platform connecting patients with doctors offering unscheduled care appointments, often within 48 hours, depending on the severity of the need.
Doctor Schvartz explained the process: “In 60% of cases, the independent regulatory physician provides simple advice and refers the matter to the treating physician. In 25% of cases,an appointment is made,either with the treating doctor or with another doctor for unscheduled treatment. And in 15% of cases, we redirect to emergencies.”
As of this October, approximately 190 general practitioners in the Marne region have joined the program, out of a total workforce of around 550. Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil, Director of the Grand Est Regional Health Agency, noted, “It is not always easy to find doctors to create this partnership between community medicine and hospital, but this figure shows that it works.” The Sas currently manages around a thousand of the 20,000 calls received each month.
| Call Type | Sas Outcome | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Urgent | Medical Advice | 60% |
| Non-Urgent | Scheduled Appointment | 25% |
| urgent | Emergency Department Referral | 15% |
did You Know? In 2023, a study by the French Ministry of Health revealed a 15% increase in non-urgent calls to emergency services over the past five years, contributing to significant delays in care for those with critical conditions.
Impact and Future Implications
The implementation of the Access to Care Service is intended to alleviate the burden on the overloaded 15 emergency line,allowing medical personnel to focus on true emergencies. Officials are keen to emphasize that this is not about reducing access to care, but rather about optimizing the system and directing patients to the most appropriate level of service.
Pro Tip: For non-emergency medical advice, consider contacting your primary care physician or utilizing telehealth services.
Does this new system represent a sustainable solution to the challenges facing French emergency services? Will it encourage more doctors to participate in providing unscheduled care appointments?
understanding Emergency Care Systems Globally
Many developed nations are grappling with the issue of emergency department overcrowding and long wait times. Strategies for advancement include triaging systems, expanded use of telehealth, investment in primary care, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on appropriate use of emergency services. The French model, with its focus on redirection and digital connection of care providers, offers a potentially scalable solution that other countries may consider adapting. According to the World Health Organization, access to timely and effective emergency care is a critical component of worldwide health coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Access to Care Service
Share this article and let us know your thoughts on this new approach to emergency care in the comments below!
How does the new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system at CHU Reims specifically improve resource allocation compared to the previous system?
Reims University Hospital Streamlines Emergency Call Management for Center 15
Enhancing Emergency Response in Reims: A New System for Center 15
Reims University Hospital (CHU Reims) has recently implemented a significant upgrade to its emergency call management system for Center 15, the national emergency medical service number in France. This modernization aims to improve response times, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately enhance patient care within the Reims metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The initiative focuses on integrating advanced technologies and refined protocols to handle the increasing volume and complexity of emergency calls. This article details the changes, benefits, and future implications of this crucial upgrade.
Understanding Center 15 and its challenges
Center 15 serves as the first point of contact for individuals requiring urgent medical assistance. Operators triage calls,assess the severity of the situation,and dispatch appropriate emergency resources – including SAMU (Service d’aide Médicale Urgente – Emergency Medical Assistance),firefighters (Pompiers),and police.
Historically, challenges faced by Center 15 in Reims, mirroring those across France, included:
* Call Volume Spikes: Periods of high demand, such as during flu season or major events, could overwhelm the system.
* Triage Accuracy: Ensuring consistent and accurate assessment of emergency severity by call operators.
* Resource Allocation: Optimally dispatching the correct resources (ambulances, doctors, firefighters) to the scene.
* Data Integration: Siloed information systems hindering a complete view of patient history and available resources.
* Geolocalization Accuracy: Pinpointing the exact location of callers, particularly in rural areas or during mobile emergencies.
The New System: Key Features and Technologies
The revamped emergency call management system at CHU Reims addresses these challenges through a multi-faceted approach. key components include:
* Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System: A new, integrated CAD system forms the core of the upgrade. This system streamlines call processing, resource dispatch, and data management.
* Advanced triage Protocols: Implementation of updated, evidence-based triage protocols, supported by decision-support tools within the CAD system. These protocols are designed to standardize assessment and prioritize calls based on urgency.
* Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL): Real-time tracking of ambulances and other emergency vehicles, providing dispatchers with accurate location data and enabling optimized routing.
* Geolocalization Enhancements: Integration with advanced geolocation technologies, including mobile phone triangulation and address verification systems, to improve caller location accuracy.
* Data Analytics & Reporting: The system incorporates robust data analytics capabilities,allowing for monitoring of call volumes,response times,and resource utilization. This data informs continuous improvement efforts.
* Interoperability: Improved communication and data sharing between Center 15, CHU Reims emergency departments, and other healthcare providers in the region. This is crucial for seamless patient handover.
Benefits of the Streamlined System
The implementation of this new system is expected to yield significant benefits for both patients and emergency responders:
* Reduced Response Times: Optimized dispatch and routing will lead to faster arrival of emergency services.
* Improved Triage Accuracy: Standardized protocols and decision-support tools will enhance the accuracy of emergency assessments.
* Enhanced resource Utilization: Efficient allocation of resources will ensure that the right help is sent to the right place at the right time.
* Better Patient Outcomes: Faster and more effective emergency care will contribute to improved patient outcomes.
* Increased Operational Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and automated processes will reduce administrative burden on call operators and dispatchers.
* Enhanced Situational awareness: Real-time data and improved communication will provide responders with a clearer understanding of the emergency situation.
Impact on Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) in Reims
The changes directly impact the Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente (SAMU) of Reims. SAMU doctors will benefit from:
* More Detailed Pre-Arrival Information: Access to comprehensive patient information gathered during the initial call, enabling better readiness for on-scene treatment.
* Optimized Dispatch of Mobile emergency Teams (Equipes Mobiles d’Urgence – EMU): Targeted dispatch of EMUs based on the specific needs of each patient.
* improved Coordination with Other Emergency Services: Seamless communication and collaboration with firefighters and police.
practical Tips for callers to Center 15
While the system is being upgraded, callers can help ensure a smooth and efficient response by:
- Staying Calm: Provide clear and concise information to the operator.
- Providing Accurate Location: Clearly state your address, including any landmarks or specific details.Utilize geolocation apps on your smartphone if possible.
- Describing the emergency: Explain the nature of the medical problem as accurately as possible.
- Answering Questions Fully: Respond to all questions asked by the operator.
- Not Hanging Up: Remain on the line until instructed to do so by the operator.
Future Developments & Integration with Reims City Services
CHU reims is exploring further integration of the emergency call management system with other city services,such as the Reims fire department (https://www.reims.fr/) and local police departments.This will facilitate a more coordinated and comprehensive emergency response. Future developments may include:
* Integration with Smart City Technologies: Utilizing data from sensors and other smart city infrastructure to enhance situational awareness.
* **Tele
