Project summary
Hip fractures are a very common injury for elderly people, and many patients lose mobility and independence after. Pain relief before the patient reaches hospital is often inadequate and causes side effects which may slow down recovery.
We aim to find out whether the local anaesthetic injection used in hospitals reduces pain, is safe, and improves patient health outcomes, in the out of hospital setting. We are carrying out a trial where paramedics give patients either, the local anaesthetic injection, or treat with the usual care (often morphine, paracetamol and/or Entonox).
Patient Group
Inclusion for randomisation:
Adult patients attended by a participating study paramedic following a 999 call who are:
- assessed as having an isolated hip fracture
- conscious (Glasgow Coma Scale Score of ≥ 13)
- haemodynamically stable
- to be conveyed to a participating receiving hospital
Exclusion prior to randomisation:
Patients who:
- are taking anticoagulants
- have a hip prosthesis on the affected side
- refuse analgesia
- are thought to be having a stroke
- are combative
- are attended by a paramedic working alone
Participating areas in SCAS
Patients who will be taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Royal Berkshire Hospital or University Hospital Southampton may be involved in this trial.
How are patients selected for this project?
Patients in the above areas who meet the eligibility criteria may be involved in this trial. Patients will be allocated to either treatment using a random process to ensure a fair comparison between treatments.
Closing date
Ongoing project, expected close to new randomisations July 2025.