Differences in emergency ambulance use between older and younger individuals in Denmark: a nationwide register-based study

As populations age, the demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is rising, yet differences in ambulance use between age groups remain insufficiently understood. This nationwide register-based study examined all ambulance dispatches in Denmark from 2018 to 2024, comparing contacts from older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) individuals. Contacts from older individuals accounted for over half of all dispatches and had ambulance use rates more than four times higher than those of younger individuals. Despite this, they were less often assigned to the highest urgency level and more frequently presented with symptoms such as decreased consciousness, paralysis, or dizziness. In contrast, chest pain was most common among younger individuals. Repeated ambulance use was significantly more prevalent among older individuals. These findings suggest that older individuals have distinct patterns of EMS use, underscoring the need for age-sensitive triage and planning to meet the evolving demands of an aging population.