EVIDENCE-BASED PROTOCOLS FOR PREHOSPITAL PAIN MANAGEMENT: A LITERATURE REVIEW

This literature review explores the role of evidence-based protocols in enhancing prehospital pain management. Acute pain is a prevalent issue in emergency medical services, affecting up to 80% of patients transported by ambulance. The review underscores the physiological and psychological impacts of unmanaged pain and emphasizes the necessity for effective early intervention. A systematic examination of current literature reveals a significant shift from traditional opioid-centric approaches to multimodal strategies that incorporate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Key findings highlight the efficacy of opioids, particularly fentanyl, alongside emerging alternatives such as low-dose ketamine. Non-pharmacological methods also play a crucial role in comprehensive pain management. Despite advancements, challenges such as variability in practice and knowledge gaps among providers persist. The review concludes with recommendations for developing standardized protocols and emphasizes the need for further research to address gaps in prehospital pain management practices. Keywords: Prehospital Pain Management, Evidence-Based Protocols, Opioids, Ketamine, Multimodal Analgesia.