Pre-hospital care allows patients, particularly those with acute life-threatening conditions, to be given immediate and appropriate care to prevent aggravation of their case, provide initial intervention, and to conduct life-saving resuscitation if needed. This also ensures safe and timely transportation of the patient to the nearest hospital or medical facility capable of providing the necessary management.
In Ambulansyang de Paa, it can be seen how the lack of adequate pre-hospital care gives rise to certain difficulties in patient care. For one, the transportation of the patient from his home to the health center proved to be challenging. The lack of ambulance capable of reaching their location made him and his family reluctant to have him follow-up with his doctor. His TB then was not adequately resolved, and his overall state worsened. Similarly, the baby who had severe dehydration and marasmus took hours and multiple stops before he was given appropriate management (IV resuscitation), which could have been done even prior to admission, ensuring that the baby is stable while on transport. Establishing pre-hospital care, along with addressing other socioeconomic factors (e.g., lack of infrastructures, unequal dissemination of HCWs), should improve these said situations, allowing patients better access to healthcare.
Another application of pre-hospital care that is currently rising is teleconsultation. If properly implemented, especially in the remote areas, this would allow patients to see a doctor without having to worry about transportation or possible exposure to diseases like COVID-19. They could receive medical advice in the comfort of their homes. Teleconsultation may also pave way for patients and their families to know if their case needs to be urgently seen. Interallied communication (e.g., between the consultant and emergency personnel) may also be improved, allowing resources to more quickly reach the patient.