The MeSH heading “Call Center” is due for an update: why we recommend the more precise heading “Emergency Medical Communication Center”

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 91 - 2
• Main Authors: Harring, Astrid K. V., Blinkenberg, Jesper, Brattebø, Guttorm, Hjortdahl, Magnus, Idland, Siri, Iversen, Emil, Leonardsen, Ann-Chatrin. L., Zakariassen, Erik, Jørgensen, Trine M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 04.12.2023; BioMed Central Ltd; Springer Nature B.V; Springer Nature; BMC
• Subjects: Automation; Call centers; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Commentary; Communication; Communication in medicine; Emergency medical care; Emergency medical services; Emergency Medicine; Emergency services; Identification and classification; Information systems; Medical Subject Headings-MeSH; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Methods; Names; Out of hospital Cardiac Arrest; Paramedicine; Services; Traumatic Surgery; Norway; United States > US; Europe; Out of hospital Cardiac Arrest; Paramedicine; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Emergency medical services
• ISSN: 1757-7241; 1757-7241
• DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01155-0

Call centers can be found in various industries. However as a Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) the term “Call centers” does not reflect the critical purpose of handling emergency calls. We recommend “emergency medical communication center(s)”, as this provides clarity and precision regarding the primary function and purpose of the center.