Profile of SAMU 192 users in Brazil: an integrative review (2019–2025) and implications for regulation

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize evidence on the epidemiological profile of users of the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU 192) in Brazil, highlighting sociodemographic characteristics, nature of events, and implications for regulation. Methods: An integrative review was conducted in national and international databases, including studies published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, containing epidemiological data on SAMU in the Brazilian context. Study selection was performed in two stages by independent reviewers, followed by standardized data extraction and methodological quality assessment using JBI, CASP, and MMAT tools, with subsequent narrative synthesis. Results: Twelve studies were included. There was a predominance of young adult males, a higher frequency of clinical events compared to traumatic ones, and a significant contribution of external causes, especially road traffic accidents. Challenges were also identified in triage processes, regulatory communication, and the management of frequent users. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of SAMU users reveals complex demands that require improvements in regulation. The heterogeneity of the studies limits the generalization of findings.