The Role of Mobile Apps in Prehospital Emergency Care: A Literature Review

Abstract: - This literature review examines the role of mobile applications in prehospital emergency care (PHC), highlighting their impact on service delivery and patient outcomes. As healthcare systems increasingly adopt technological innovations, mobile applications have emerged as critical tools in enhancing communication, accessibility, and decision-making for emergency medical services (EMS). The review synthesizes findings from various studies, revealing that mobile technologies significantly improve real-time access to clinical guidelines, patient data, and communication channels, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Notably, applications like SOSPhone provide alternative communication methods, bridging gaps for users who may struggle with traditional voice calls. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges and limitations of integrating mobile applications into existing EMS frameworks, emphasizing the need for user-centric design and collaboration among stakeholders. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research to evaluate the long-term effects of mobile technologies on patient outcomes and service delivery in diverse populations. Ultimately, this review aims to inform healthcare professionals, policymakers, and app developers about best practices and future directions for the effective implementation of mobile applications in prehospital settings.