African Journal of Emergency Medicine最新文献

{"title":"The competency requirements for emergency medical services call takers and dispatchers - a scoping review","authors":"Wynand Van Der Net ,&nbsp;Andrew Makkink ,&nbsp;Peter Hodkinson ,&nbsp;Willem Stassen","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><strong>:</strong> An effective Emergency Medical Service (EMS) depends on a well-functioning Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), which influences response times, resource allocation, and patient outcomes. Competent EMD staff are essential for gathering information, making rapid decisions, dispatching resources, and providing life-saving pre-arrival instructions. While high-income countries use standardized computer-aided dispatch systems, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa, lack such systems and rely on staff competencies. This scoping review sought to identify the competencies for EMD staff.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><strong>:</strong> We searched the international literature using the keywords “Emergency Medical Service”; “EMS call centre”; “competencies” and their synonyms. Two reviewers independently reviewed the identified articles. The articles were tabled highlighting findings focused on EMD system requirements; EMD staff competency requirements; education and training for EMD staff.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><strong>:</strong> Among the 35 articles identified, five (14%) originated from LMICs with no articles specifically addressing the competency requirements for staff working in an EMD. A total of 16 (46%) studies highlighted the need for qualified staff (nurses, physicians and paramedics). The use of computer aided dispatch and Medical Priority Dispatch System in an EMD was identified in 13 (37%). The review of existing programs identified eight EMD programs emphasizing effective interview and communication skills, use of technology, medical terminology, first aid, stress management, resource allocation, effective reporting and feedback. Literature showed a renewed interest in EMD research within the last 5 years, particularly in LMICs where EMS are poorly developed.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div><strong>:</strong> The scoping review highlighted a lack of evidence on the competencies and performance needs of EMD staff. While key skills such as information gathering, decision-making, and resource allocation are recognized, further research is needed to define core competencies and develop context-appropriate training, especially in LMICs where such evidence is scarce.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100933"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysing research trends: A descriptive study of abstracts submitted to the African Conference on Emergency Medicine 2024","authors":"Robert Holliman ,&nbsp;Peter Hodkinson ,&nbsp;Megan Cox","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100934","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Emergency care (EC) is rapidly expanding across Africa, yet research output remains limited despite high regional need. The African Conference on Emergency Medicine (AfCEM) is the continent’s only dedicated EC scientific meeting, offering a unique platform to showcase and strengthen regional research. This analysis of abstracts from AfCEM 2024 aims to explore authorship patterns, research themes, and partnerships, highlighting progress and opportunities in African EC research.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Three reviewers analysed the 217 accepted AfCEM 2024 abstracts by authorship, country involvement, partnerships, topic, and methodology. Findings were summarised descriptively and compared with data from previous AfCEM conferences to explore trends in emergency care research across the region.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 217 abstracts submitted to AfCEM 2024, East Africa contributed the largest share (43 %), with marked underrepresentation from Central and North Africa. Authorship spanned 34 countries, with 70.5 % of authors and 74.7 % of first authors affiliated with African institutions. However, 54.3 % of abstracts included at least one HIC author, and these were over four times more likely to have five or more contributors. Supadel-sponsored or resident trainees accounted for 16 % of first authors. Most abstracts presented primary data (69.1 %) and used observational or descriptive methods (50.2 %), with 20.3 % employing qualitative or mixed approaches. Research largely focused on emergency presentations, highlighting a growing but uneven research landscape across the continent</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This analysis highlights growing African leadership and thematic diversity in EC research, as showcased at AfCEM 2024. While collaborations with high-income countries remain common, African-led work is increasing. Research largely aligns with global priorities but remains predominantly observational, with limited patient-centred or francophone representation. AfCEM continues to reflect and shape the region’s research landscape. Ongoing efforts should focus on equitable partnerships, broader access, and inclusive, cross-disciplinary engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100934"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Progress in Emergency Medicine in Nigeria: Where we are in 2025","authors":"Oluwole Olayemi Olaomi ,&nbsp;Abiola Fasina-Ayoola ,&nbsp;Mosunmola Florence Tunde-Ayinmode ,&nbsp;Ernest Okechukwu Orji ,&nbsp;Usang Edet Usang ,&nbsp;Ibironke Desalu ,&nbsp;Ademuyiwa Adesoji ,&nbsp;Akinyemi Aje ,&nbsp;Sydney Ibeanusi ,&nbsp;Andrew Otunifadhe Imogu ,&nbsp;Innocent Ikem ,&nbsp;Yinusa Wahab ,&nbsp;Nana Hawwa Madugu ,&nbsp;Emmanuel E Ekanem ,&nbsp;Felicia Anumah","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100937","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nigeria is a multiethnic and diverse country classified as a low-and middle-income-country. According to the United Nations, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 227.9 million in 2025. Nigeria has the highest number of poor people in the world, with 30.9 % of the population living on &lt;2.15 USD daily. This, coupled with poor governance and weak healthcare regulations, a large proportion of young people (&gt;90 % of the population are under 65 years of age with a median age of 18 years), and a high birth rate, present daunting challenges for the Nigerian healthcare system.</div><div>Nigeria faces a high burden of trauma and infectious diseases, as well as a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Historically, the emergency care system has been fragmented and poorly organized, and there was no pathway for specialist training in Emergency Medicine for physicians. Emergency Medicine is still in its nascence in Nigeria. In 2019, Emergency Medicine was formally established as a medical speciality by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and residency training programs were launched in 2022. This step by the national college recognized the need to train emergency care specialists to improve the management of critical patients and positively impact resuscitation outcomes. This is a review of developments in emergency medicine training and the various emergency care systems in Nigeria in recent times. The progress is palpable particularly with the introduction of Emergency Medicine Faculty by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100937"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The critical role of emergency departments in managing infectious disease outbreaks: Lessons from the Rwanda Marburg virus response","authors":"Appolinaire Manirafasha ,&nbsp;Jacob Carter ,&nbsp;Laurent Gamy Kamunga ,&nbsp;Ineza Nadine Vanessa ,&nbsp;Mukarugwiza Florence ,&nbsp;Doris L. Uwamahoro ,&nbsp;Nkeshimana Menelas ,&nbsp;Tsion Firew","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 2024 Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Rwanda underscored the indispensable role of Emergency Departments in the early detection, containment, and management of novel infectious diseases. As public health crises continue to grow in complexity, the Emergency Department becomes uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between clinical care and public health responses. Using lessons learned from King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda during the outbreak, this report outlines how Emergency Departments serve as frontline defenses during crisis management and identifies strategies to strengthen and enhance their preparedness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100941"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A cross-sectional study assessing the emergency medicine knowledge of final-year interns in the Eastern Cape, South Africa","authors":"Laurryn Ah Yui ,&nbsp;Luan Taljaard ,&nbsp;Sian Geraty","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100940","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100940","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Emergency Medicine (EM) is a nascent, but rapidly growing speciality within South Africa, encompassed by worldwide recognition of the need for improved emergency care. Although EM physicians increasing lead many larger South African Emergency Departments, the initial provision of emergent care often occurs at facilities manned by junior, non-specialist doctors, early in their career. Newly qualified doctors complete a 2-year internship phase, during which their exposure and training in EM is not standardised. Limited data regarding the impact of EM on foundation year training exists in South Africa. Therefore, a need exists to identify EM knowledge gaps at the end of internship, to direct future EM training.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study utilising an EM assessment tool previously developed via a modified Delphi study by the authors was performed. During 2022-2023, final-year interns in two cities in the Eastern Cape of South Africa were invited to participate in the assessment tool and complete a short survey on self-perceived knowledge and readiness to manage emergent conditions in their community service year.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 146 interns from two sites participated in the study (representing undergraduate training from all South African medical schools). Participants scored poorly on questions regarding the assessment of acute cardiac events and resuscitation of acutely ill patients and scored highest in questions on obstetric emergencies and management of urgent, rather than emergent conditions. Interns emphasised the need for longer exposure time in EM, and the need for structured and standardised training, including the use of simulations, case-based discussions and practical skills training.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>To improve the quality of emergency care in the South African public healthcare system, EM training and exposure at the internship level should be prioritised. Recommendations include instituting structured and standardised EM training within a supervised environment and further research on intern readiness to manage emergent medical conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100940"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145915384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing emergency response in Somalia: Evaluating the WHO Mass Casualty Management course in trauma hospitals","authors":"Mohamed Mukhtar Ali ,&nbsp;Barkhad Mohamed Ismail ,&nbsp;Mohamed Hussein ,&nbsp;Meaghan M. Sydlowski ,&nbsp;Nichole Michaeli","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2026.100948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2026.100948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The ongoing conflict between the Somali National Army and non-state armed actors has led to an increase in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) which burden the fragile Somali healthcare system. Hospitals often become overwhelmed during MCIs, which can lead to increased mortality. To address this gap in mass casualty management (MCM), the WHO developed the MCM course to help hospitals address MCIs through the creation of individualized MCM plans. This study evaluated the effect of the WHO MCM course on participants’ knowledge of MCM concepts and self-reported confidence in managing MCIs in trauma hospitals in Somalia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective pre-post educational study was conducted with healthcare teams from trauma hospitals across Somalia in October 2023. The four-day MCM course utilized lectures and interactive tabletop exercises to introduce MCM concepts, simulate MCI scenarios, and help participants develop MCM plans. Participants’ knowledge was assessed using multiple choice pre- and post-tests. Confidence was evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale surveys, feedback forms were used to assess course acceptability. Paired t-tests and Cohen’s d were used to analyze pre-post changes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The MCM course was completed by 23 participants from 3 regions across Somalia. They had an average of 8.5 years of clinical experience and 3 years of MCM experience. The mean post-course test scores (78.9%) showed a significant improvement (p&lt;0.001; Cohen's d=1.82) compared to pre-course test scores 47.9% (28%-72%). There was also an improvement in self-reported confidence in the implementation and activation of MCM plans (d=0.49), understanding of MCM roles and responsibilities (d=0.55). The largest gains were in operational readiness (d=1.42), including clearing the emergency unit, documentation, and triage planning.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The MCM course improved participant’s knowledge of key MCM concepts and self-reported confidence in managing MCIs. Although limited by small sample size and reliance on self-reported outcomes, findings suggest the course may support improved MCM readiness in conflict-affected settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100948"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rural-urban disparities in Emergency Medical Services: a qualitative study of barriers and opportunities in Rivers State, Nigeria","authors":"Adaeze Oreh ,&nbsp;Folake Owodunni ,&nbsp;Oluwaseun Adebayo Adewunmi ,&nbsp;Ihuoma Opelia-Ezeh ,&nbsp;Olufemi Onasanya ,&nbsp;Sylvanus Ojum ,&nbsp;Dede Siyeofori ,&nbsp;Kinikanwo Green","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2026.100946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2026.100946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are critical for reducing morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet significant disparities persist between urban and rural areas. This qualitative study explores barriers and opportunities in EMS utilisation among residents of Rivers State, Nigeria.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach guided by the Levesque framework for healthcare access, we conducted a focus group discussion with 20 purposively selected stakeholders representing nine categories, including healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders and EMS users. Data was analysed thematically to identify barriers and opportunities in EMS utilisation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Analysis revealed systemic barriers across five dimensions: accessibility (delayed response times, poor communication), acceptability (cultural beliefs favouring faith-based interventions), availability (inadequate infrastructure and staffing), affordability (high out-of-pocket costs), and appropriateness (gender and mental health disparities). These challenges were more pronounced in rural areas where they faced more compounded barriers, including geographic isolation and limited ambulance coverage. Several opportunities for improvement emerged, including community first-responder training, technology integration (e.g., GPS tracking), and multi-level collaborations, both inter-agency and with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to decentralise EMS management, enhance public awareness, and address socioeconomic inequities. This study contributes to the discourse on healthcare disparities in LMICs and provides actionable recommendations for stakeholders to strengthen EMS systems in Nigeria through multi-sectoral collaboration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100946"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Availability of emergency drugs and essential resuscitation equipment and associated barriers in Addis Ababa Health Centers, Ethiopia: a mixed-methods study","authors":"Lidia Dagne Mario,&nbsp;Yohannes Feleke,&nbsp;Finot Debebe,&nbsp;Melat Mezgebu Bawoke,&nbsp;Lidet Gizachew Amha,&nbsp;Merahi Kefyalew","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Essential medications, supplies, and equipment are crucial for emergency care; however, significant resource shortages in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, hinder the delivery of safe services. Although research on emergency capacity analysis has been conducted at the hospital level, data from lower levels, such as health centers, are lacking, despite numerous studies recommending the development of emergency services at the primary healthcare level to reduce the burden on hospital emergency departments. Therefore, this study primarily aims to assess the availability of emergency equipment and drugs and barriers to availability in health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An explanatory sequential mixed method design study was conducted in Addis Ababa, in September 2025. Quantitative data were collected from the six health centers selected through convenience and random sampling. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select key informants for the qualitative interviews, and thematic content analysis was conducted to develop items that emerged from the transcribed information.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The survey revealed a significant gap in availability of emergency equipment and drugs. While oxygen delivery devices and infection control materials were widely available, critical equipment and essential medications like crash carts, defibrillators, digoxin, and sodium bicarbonate were largely absent. Qualitative analysis identified the barriers to be ineffective management, disjointed logistics and health system, shortage of human resource and patients’ financial constraint.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The readiness of health centers to provide emergency care in Addis Ababa is inadequate, largely due to resource shortages and systemic barriers. Urgent interventions are needed to improve emergency preparedness at the primary care level, including provision of crash carts, investment in staff training, and revision of procurement and policy frameworks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Article 100938"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of immediate survival in Emergency Department cardiac arrest in Ethiopia: Insights from a resource-limited setting","authors":"Zigale Tilaye Ayalew ,&nbsp;Alemayehu Beharu Tekle ,&nbsp;Molla Asnake Kebede ,&nbsp;Melaku T. Berhanu ,&nbsp;Ashenafi Jemal ,&nbsp;Etsegent akloge","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in Emergency Departments (EDs) remains a leading cause of mortality, particularly in low-resource countries. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics and predictors of immediate survival among ED cardiac arrest patients in Ethiopian hospitals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 adult patients who experienced IHCA in the EDs of Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and Addis Ababa Burn, Emergency, and Trauma Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of immediate survival, defined as returns of spontaneous circulation sustained for at least one hour.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 215 patients, the mean age was 50.7 years, and 58.6 % were male. The overall immediate survival rate was 46.5 % (<em>n</em> = 100). Independent predictors of survival included male sex (AOR 2.20; 95 % CI 1.06–2.89), respiratory failure as the cause of arrest (AOR 15.04; 95 % CI 2.34–95.13), continuous cardiac monitoring (AOR 4.94; 95 % CI 1.59–15.39), and initial shockable rhythms—ventricular fibrillation (AOR 37.93; 95 % CI 2.20–655.58) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (AOR 25.64; 95 % CI 5.08–129.47). Admission for sepsis was associated with lower survival (AOR 0.05; 95 % CI 0.01–0.68).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Nearly half of patients with ED cardiac arrest in Ethiopia achieved immediate survival. Continuous monitoring, rapid recognition of shockable rhythms, and prompt management of reversible causes such as respiratory failure improve outcomes, while sepsis remains a predictor of poor survival. Strengthening ED monitoring and resuscitation capacity could improve cardiac arrest outcomes in similar African settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100906"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A silent epidemic: Exploring the clinico-epidemiological impact of explosion and gunshot injuries in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Somalia","authors":"Hussein Hassan Mohamed ,&nbsp;Hassan Adan Ali Adan ,&nbsp;Selim Turfan ,&nbsp;Murat Aysin ,&nbsp;Mohamed Farah Yusuf Mohamud","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100898","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100898","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mass casualty incidents, such as explosions and gunshot wounds (GSWs), pose significant public health challenges. This study analyzes the clinico-epidemiological profile and outcomes of patients with explosive injuries and GSWs in Somalia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 225 patients admitted to the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital in Somalia between January and December 2021. Data collected included injury type, anatomical distribution, demographics, hospital admissions, and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 225 explosion and GSW injuries, explosive injuries accounted for 58 %, while GSWs made up 42 %. The majority of patients were male (85.3 %), with 89.5 % in the GSW group and 82.3 % in the explosion group. More than half(58.7 %) of the patients were aged 18 to 30 years, with 59.2 % in the explosion group and 57.9 % in the GSW group. Anatomical analysis revealed that head injuries were most common(21 %), particularly in explosion cases, as well as higher rates of head (26.2 %), maxillofacial(7.7 %), and lower-limb injuries (12.3 %) compared to GSW patients. Some 21.7 % of patients were discharged from ED, 19 % admitted to ICU and an inpatient death rate of 12.9 %, including three patients (1.3 %) who died in the Emergency Department, all from the explosion injury group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The rising incidence of traumatic injuries necessitates a multifaceted approach, including enhanced emergency response systems and public health initiatives. This data serves as a call to action for healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize the management and prevention of explosion and gunshot-related injuries in Somalia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100898"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}