Ambulance service study to help improve pain management for children and young people.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is participating in the Pain mAnagement for childreN and young people attendeD by Ambulance (PANDA) study, in collaboratoon with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS). The study is a vital research initiative aimed at improving pain management for children and young people, whilst in the care of an ambulance crew.  

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is taking part in the PANDA study, along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS). The study aims to explore the experiences of children and young people who have experienced an ambulance call out for acute pain. 

Each year, approximately 86,000 children and young people under 18 are transported to emergency departments due to acute pain. 

Acute pain is any pain that lasts less than 12 weeks and can result from injuries like wounds, burns, or broken bones, as well as illnesses such as severe abdominal pain. 

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) clinicians can help to alleviate the pain at the scene and during transport to hospital, however, treating pain in children and young people can present challenges.  

Research shows that: 

- Around 60% of child/young person patients do not receive effective pain treatment 

- Ineffective pain treatment can lead to adverse effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The PANDA study relies on input from young people, their parents or carers, and ambulance staff, to help develop and test new approaches to pain management in pre-hospital care. 

 The study is open to young people (aged 16 or 17) and parents or carers of a child under 18 who has required an ambulance for acute pain in the past 12 months. The young person or child must have experienced acute pain in England within the last 12 months and had been attended to by an ambulance. 

Sarah Hepburn Clinical Team Leader and Research Paramedic at NEAS said; 

"Patient care is incredibly important to the North East Ambulance Service, treating pain in children and young people attended by ambulance can be challenging. Research studies have shown that without effective pain treatment, children and young people may suffer adverse consequences.  

“The aim of the PANDA study is to explore the experiences of acute pain in children and young people attended by ambulance to develop and test new methods to improve pain management pre-hospital.  

“As part of this study, we’re working alongside other ambulance services from across the country to get a wider scope of information. Participation in the study will help to improve the future care of children and young people who need an ambulance when they experience pain" 

Exclusions apply to young people aged 16-17 with potentially life-threatening conditions (e.g., major trauma, cardiac arrest) and parents or carers under the age of 16. 

As a thank-you, participants will receive a £20 gift voucher for their time. 

By taking part in the PANDA study, you can help improve future emergency care for children and young people experiencing acute pain. While no significant risks are anticipated, discussing past pain may be distressing, and participants can pause or discontinue at any time.