ImageTrend Collaborate: Validating a Representative Dataset for EMS Research

Access to accurate and representative data is essential for driving EMS research and making informed decisions. ImageTrend Collaborate™ equips researchers and EMS professionals with a comprehensive dataset to advance understanding and improve patient outcomes.

Recently, ImageTrend Collaborate was put to the test in a study comparing its national EMS activation data to the gold-standard National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) research dataset. The findings, published in the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) journal, highlight how ImageTrend Collaborate stands out as a reliable tool for advancing EMS research.

Bridging Data Gaps in EMS Research

 In 2022, ImageTrend Collaborate included a representative sample encompassing 9.6 million EMS events from its extensive collection of patient data, while NEMSIS recorded 42 million. The study published in the NAEMSP journal aimed to evaluate how well Collaborate represents the diverse characteristics of EMS events nationwide, comparing call demographics, patient attributes, and intervention data.

The results were striking: the two datasets were nearly identical across most metrics, including patient age, sex, primary complaints, and interventions. This close alignment validates ImageTrend Collaborate as a robust, representative dataset, paving the way for innovative prehospital research.

Key Findings That Matter

The study revealed minor differences between ImageTrend Collaborate and NEMSIS data, with ten-year age group variations of no more than 0.3% and leading dispatch complaints like "sick person" showing only slight differences (−3%).

Notably, primary impressions such as weakness and injury, as well as intervention trends like catheterization and ECG use, mirrored those in the NEMSIS dataset. These similarities underscore the reliability of ImageTrend Collaborate as a resource for comprehensive EMS research.

One expected difference was the distribution of Census Regions, attributed to voluntary participation in ImageTrend Collaborate. Despite this, the dataset reflects the broader EMS landscape, ensuring meaningful insights for research and practice.

Advancing EMS Research Together

By participating in ImageTrend Collaborate, organizations and agencies contribute to a growing repository of de-identified data, enabling groundbreaking research in prehospital care.

From analyzing trends in community paramedicine to addressing public health crises like the opioid epidemic, Collaborate provides the tools needed to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges.

As the study demonstrates, ImageTrend Collaborate is more than a dataset; it's a trusted partner for researchers and agencies seeking to drive data-informed decisions. Its validation against NEMSIS sets it apart, making it a critical resource for advancing EMS and healthcare industries alike.

Real-World Applications of ImageTrend Collaborate

The power of ImageTrend Collaborate™ extends beyond data collection—it fuels impactful research that addresses real-world challenges. Here are a few resources showcasing how Collaborate is shaping the future of EMS and public health:

• Addressing Unhoused Population Needs: Leveraging data from Collaborate, this research highlights the unique challenges faced by unhoused populations and provides actionable insights to improve care and resource allocation. Read more.
  
  
• Insights from NEMSQA Airway-18: Using Collaborate's robust dataset, this study explores the critical role of airway management and the importance of data-driven approaches to improve patient outcomes. Read more.
  
  
• Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Injuries: Collaborate data illuminates patterns in ORV-related injuries, offering vital insights for EMS and public health professionals. Read more.
  
  
• Data Tackles Extreme Heat: This study uses Collaborate data to examine the impacts of extreme heat on public health, guiding preparedness and response efforts. Read more.
  
  
• Helmet Use Research Wins at TraumaCon: Research powered by Collaborate received recognition for its role in understanding helmet use and injury prevention, advancing safety initiatives. Read more.

These projects highlight how Collaborate is not just a dataset, but a tool for advancing research and driving meaningful change.

Learn More and Join the Collaborate Program

Ready to take your research to the next level? Explore how Collaborate can support your organization’s goals and contribute to the future of EMS and public health.

Whether you're seeking to access actionable insights or join a growing network of contributors driving innovation, the Collaborate program is your gateway to making an impact.

Learn more about Collaborate to explore how you can become part of this impactful program today.