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Evaluating emergency medical service performance measures
Laura A McLay1, Maria E Mayorga
1Department of Statistical Sciences & Operations Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 843083, 1001 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. lamclay@vcu.edu
Health Care Management Science
|July 16, 2010
Summary
Emergency medical services (EMS) can improve patient survival by optimizing ambulance response time thresholds. Shorter thresholds maximize survival, while longer ones improve rural equity.
Area of Science:
- Emergency medical services
- Public health
- Operations research
Background:
- Current emergency medical service (EMS) systems prioritize response time metrics over patient outcomes.
- Response time thresholds are easily understood but may not reflect true system performance in saving lives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a methodology for evaluating EMS response time thresholds based on patient survival rates.
- To compare survival outcomes using a model that optimizes ambulance location for patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mathematical model for optimal ambulance placement to maximize patient survival.
- Applied the methodology to real-world data from Hanover County, Virginia.
Main Results:
- Locating ambulances to achieve 7- and 8-minute response time thresholds simultaneously maximized overall patient survival.
- 9- and 10-minute response time thresholds led to more equitable outcomes, particularly improving survival rates in rural areas.
Conclusions:
- Response time thresholds can be evaluated for their impact on patient survival.
- Balancing shorter response times for maximum survival with longer thresholds for rural equity is crucial for EMS performance.
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