Objectives: This study was designed to explore the utilization and non-utilization of pre-hospital emergency care by migrants and non-migrants, and the factors that influence this behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional representative German survey was conducted in a sample of 2.175 people, 295 of whom had a migration background. An additional sample of 50 people with Turkish migration background was conducted, partially in the Turkish language. Apart from socio-demographics, the utilization of emergency services and the reasons for non-utilization were assessed. Results: Migrants had a higher utilization rate of pre-hospital emergency care (RR = 1.492) than non-migrants. Furthermore, migrants who were not born in Germany had a lower utilization rate (RR = 0.793) than migrants who were born in Germany. Regarding non-utilization, the most frequently stated reasons belonged to the categories initial misjudgment of the emergency situation and acting on one’s own behalf, with the latter stated more frequently by migrants than by non-migrants. Conclusions: To prevent over-, under-, and lack of supply, it is necessary to transfer knowledge about the functioning of the medical emergency services, including first aid knowledge. © 2016, Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+).

Migration background Pre-hospital emergency care Non-utilization Utilization

Germany demography human middle aged statistics and numerical data Cross-Sectional Studies interview cross-sectional study Humans psychology Interviews as Topic male female Emergency Medical Services adult migration emergency health service utilization hospital emergency service Emergency Service, Hospital Transients and Migrants