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An application of a spatially distributed queuing model to an ambulance system
T H Burwell1, M A Mcknew, J P Jarvis
1Department of Decision Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608.
Socio-Economic Planning Sciences
|September 5, 1992
Summary
This study applied a spatial queuing model to an ambulance system. The hypercube model accurately estimated emergency medical system performance with precise input data.
Area of Science:
- Operations Research
- Healthcare Systems Engineering
- Emergency Medical Services
Background:
- Ambulance systems face challenges in resource allocation and response times.
- Queuing models offer a framework for analyzing service systems with stochastic arrivals and service times.
- Existing models may not fully capture the spatial complexities of ambulance deployment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a modified "hypercube" queuing model for its applicability to ambulance systems.
- To assess the model's accuracy in estimating key performance indicators for emergency medical services.
- To determine the feasibility of using this model for operational planning in real-world EMS settings.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a spatially distributed queuing model.
- Utilized a variation of the "hypercube" queuing model.
- Calibrated and tested the model using historical data from Greenville County, South Carolina's emergency medical system.
Main Results:
- The spatially distributed queuing model demonstrated reasonable accuracy in estimating system performance.
- Model accuracy was contingent upon the precise specification of input parameters.
- The "hypercube" model variation showed potential for practical application in ambulance system analysis.
Conclusions:
- The adapted "hypercube" queuing model is a useful tool for assessing ambulance system performance.
- Accurate input data is critical for reliable model predictions.
- This modeling approach can aid in optimizing emergency medical services operations.