Chapter 57
Approach to the geriatric patient
Michael Mancera,
Michael Lohmeier,
Manish N. Shah,
Michael Mancera
Search for more papers by this authorMichael Lohmeier
Search for more papers by this authorManish N. Shah
Search for more papers by this authorMichael Mancera,
Michael Lohmeier,
Manish N. Shah,
Michael Mancera
Search for more papers by this authorMichael Lohmeier
Search for more papers by this authorManish N. Shah
Search for more papers by this authorBook Editor(s):David C. Cone MD,
Jane H. Brice MD, MPH,
Theodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH,
J. Brent Myers MD, MPH,
David C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 18 August 2021
Summary
Older adults (age ≥65 years) represent a large and rapidly growing segment of the world's population. EMS must prepare for a significant increase in the number of older adult patients requesting assistance. By 2030, EMS will likely transport 12 million older adults annually in the United States, and older adults will comprise approximately half of the EMS call volume. Here we discuss the changes with normal aging, assessment of the geriatric patient, medical and trauma conditions, social emergencies, public health considerations, and research. By using these general concepts, medical directors, EMS leadership, and field clinicians can maximize the health care of older patients.
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