Pain management in the prehospital environment

John G. McManus, Donald R. Sallee

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pain measurement and relief is complex, and should be a priority for prehospital providers and supervisors. The available literature continues to prove that we are poor pain relievers, despite the high prevalence of pain in the out-of-hospital patient population. Lack of education and research, along with agent availability, controlled substance regulation, and many myths given credence by health care providers, hinder our ability to achieve adequate pain assessment and treatment in the prehospital setting. Protocols must be established to help guide providers through proper acknowledgment, measurement, and treatment for prehospital pain. Nonpharmacologic therapies must also be taught and reinforced as important adjuncts to pain management. Finally, formation of quality improvement pain programs that evaluate patient outcomes and provider practice patterns will help EMS systems understand the pain management process and provide areas for improvement. Only through emphasis on pain education, research, protocol, and program monitoring development will the quality of pain assessment and management in the prehospital setting improve.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)415-431
Number of pages17
JournalEmergency Medicine Clinics of North America
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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