Young people’s experience of emergency medical services as road traffic accident victims: a pilot qualitative study

Abstract

A visit to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department following an accident is often a young person’s first experience of hospital. A&E is a pressured environment which can be frightening and stressful for young people. This study reports the views of young people who have had contact with emergency medical services following a road traffic accident (RTA). Negative experiences were volunteered more than positive experiences. Concerns were reported around being physically restricted, receiving inadequate information, feeling that they were not understood, experiencing physical discomforts and feeling lonely. This article highlights the need to provide adequately for the younger A&E patient by supplying information, communicating appropriately and offering an environment that is more appropriate for young people.