This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of prehospital assessment and treatment of stab injuries in Ankara, Turkey, utilizing data from the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Command Centre. Data from the EMS Command Centre of Ankara spanning from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 12,106 individual cases of stab injuries were included in the study. The study focused on analyzing demographic characteristics, incident timing, EMS response times, clinical outcomes, and hospital transfer patterns of stab injury cases. The study found that the majority of stab injury cases occurred in young males (78.3%), with a median age around 30 years. There was no significant difference in the total number of cases between the study years, but significant variations were observed in monthly, seasonal, and daily distributions. Weekdays and late evening hours (16:00-23:59) showed higher incident rates. EMS response times varied significantly across the study period, with trends indicating longer response times over the years. Most patients were transferred to Training and Research Hospitals, and interfacility transfers were common, especially to tertiary care centers. The study also highlighted significant differences in EMS call reasons and clinical outcomes between the study years. This study underscores the critical role of efficient prehospital assessment and timely treatment in improving outcomes for stab injury patients in urban settings like Ankara. The findings emphasize the need for strategies to optimize EMS response times and enhance coordination between emergency services and hospital facilities. Future research should focus on interventions to further enhance the efficiency of prehospital care for trauma patients.
Key words: Prehospital assessment, stab injuries, emergency medical services' response times
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