by: WOODTV.com staff
LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — A big increase in out-of-hospital deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic has state health officials concerned.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services administrators say data from the state EMS agencies from March 15 to May 23 compared to the same period in 2019 shows a concerning trend regarding out of hospital deaths.
The MDHHS data showed:
- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests increased by 43.3%.
- Out-of-hospital deaths recorded by EMS rose by 62%.
- Statewide EMS transports dipped by 17%.
- Transports of heart attack patients dropped nearly 10%.
- Transports of stroke patients decreased by about 12%.
Jack Fisher, Michigan Association of Ambulance Services president, stressed, “Medical emergencies have not gone away during the pandemic and Michigan EMS providers are standing by to help Michiganders safely get the lifesaving help they need.
He also is stressed that person is experiencing medical emergencies should absolutely not avoid hospitalization.
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