A study out of Sweden evaluated the differences between men and women in symptom profile, allocated life support level and presence of acute myocardial infarction, life-threatening condition or death, and whether a computer-based decision support system could improve the allocation of support level.1
The investigators found that ALS was used “equally frequently for men and women. There was no difference in age or symptom profile between men and women in relation to allocation. However, the allocation of advanced life support level was predictive of AMI and LTC only in men. The sensitivity was far lower for women than for men.”
They concluded that although further study is needed, women would benefit the most from statistical and computer-based decision tools for the allocation of life support level.
Reference
- Gellerstedt M, Bà¥ng A, Andréasson E. “Does sex influence the allocation of life support level by dispatchers in acute chest pain?” Am J Emerg Med. 2010;28:922—927. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2009.05.009
