Prehospital Emergent Pediatric Behavioral Health Incidents Increase by 40% in 2021 for Some Ages, Suicides and Self-Harm Incidents Account for 25% of these Incidents

LAKEVILLE, MINN. [January 11, 2022] - ImageTrend, Inc. released the second issue of the Collaborate™ Short Report: Pediatric Behavioral Health Incidents in the Prehospital Setting from January 2018 to October 2021. Studies have found an increase in emergent pediatric behavioral health incidents over the last two decades and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Collaborate Short Report focuses on how these incidents have changed across age groups and different regions from 2018 to 2021 by looking at a large sample of data from across the nation where pediatric behavioral health incidents are seen in the prehospital setting.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the proportion of pediatric mental health-related emergency department visits increased by 31% from 2019 to 2020. The ImageTrend Collaborate Dataset showed increases in prehospital incidents based on region (9%-27%) and age groups (2%-40%), but most concerning was the proportion of suicide and self-harm incidents (25%) amongst pediatric behavioral health incidents. The rise in pediatric behavioral health emergencies is not only a societal concern, but also adds additional strain to EMS organizations and providers. To view the full report for more insights, visit www.imagetrend.com/ShortReport/Pediatric.

“Most of us and our families have experienced some of the unexpected consequences of a modern day pandemic, but understanding the impact it is having on our pediatric population is crucial,” commented Morgan K. Anderson, Epidemiologist at ImageTrend. “Having the data to confirm these trends and changes can help shape how to best utilize resources, modify provider training and incorporate prevention programs.”

As part of the ImageTrend Collaborate program, the Collaborate Short Reports are designed to provide a snapshot of data insights on relevant topics that relate to patient care, crew safety, operational management and public health. They highlight and summarize key findings to drive industry awareness, validation and more in-depth research.

ImageTrend Collaborate is a research and analysis program developed by ImageTrend that is dedicated to the enhancement of healthcare and public safety industries. Collaborate provides insights and a higher-level awareness through industry-leading research. Collaborate utilizes a vast set of de-identified data sources including clinical, operational, licensing/credentialing, system of care registries and patient outcomes.

For more information regarding the Collaborate program, please visit www.imagetrend.com/Collaborate.

About ImageTrend, Inc.  www.imagetrend.com 

ImageTrend, Inc. is dedicated to connecting life’s most important data in the healthcare and emergency response community. ImageTrend delivers software solutions, data analytics and services for EMS, hospitals, community paramedicine (CP), critical care, fire, and preparedness to enable fully integrated patient-centric healthcare and public safety. ImageTrend’s commitment to innovation, its clients, and providing world-class implementation and support is unsurpassed. Based in Lakeville, Minn., ImageTrend combines business analysis, creative design and data driven architecture to offer scalable solutions and strategies for today and the future.