Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
05:52
Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 26, 2013
Reducing ambulance response times using geospatial-time analysis of ambulance deployment.
Marcus Eng Hock Ong1, Tut Fu Chiam, Faith Suan Peng Ng
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. marcus.ong.e.h@sgh.com.sg
Summary
Implementing a geospatial-time analysis deployment strategy significantly reduced ambulance response times for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCA). This cost-effective approach improved emergency medical services (EMS) efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Public Health
- Geospatial Analysis
Background:
- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCA) require rapid emergency medical services (EMS) response.
- Optimizing ambulance deployment is crucial for reducing response times and improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a geospatial-time analysis-based deployment strategy in reducing ambulance response times for OOHCA.
- To assess the impact of increased ambulance bases and demand-based deployment on response efficiency.
Main Methods:
- An observational prospective study in Singapore analyzed OOHCA locations using a geographic information system (GIS).
- Ambulance bases were progressively increased from 17 to 32, with deployment varying by time of day and demand.
- Ambulance and crew numbers remained constant.
Main Results:
- Response times for OOHCA significantly decreased from a median of 10.1 minutes to 7.1 minutes.
- The proportion of responses within 8 minutes increased from 22.3% to 47.3%, and within 11 minutes from 57.6% to 77.5%.
- A significant correlation was found between increased deployment locations and reduced response times.
Conclusions:
- A simple, low-cost ambulance deployment strategy utilizing geospatial-time analysis significantly reduced OOHCA response times.
- Geospatial-time analysis is a valuable tool for enhancing emergency medical services (EMS) operational efficiency.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is essential for risk identification, action prioritization, and resource optimization in critical situations like flooding and earthquakes. By integrating spatial and demographic data, GIS provides a comprehensive framework for emergency response.GIS integrates data layers, like rainfall intensity, topography, elevation profiles, and river levels, to model high-risk flood zones. These layers assess areas susceptible to flooding based on their...
01:21Manipulation and Analysis
GIS manipulation and analysis functions are vital for decision-making and planning. These activities range from data retrieval tasks, such as selecting information based on specific criteria, to advanced analytical techniques that address complex spatial problems.One critical GIS analysis method is overlaying, which combines multiple data layers to examine impacts. For example, overlaying a river-dammed lake boundary with road networks can identify affected infrastructure. Another common...
01:17Design Example: Alignment of a Road Line Using GIS
The alignment of a road line using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a critical process in civil engineering, combining advanced technology with practical decision-making. This methodology begins with the collection of geospatial data, including information on land cover, geomorphology, drainage patterns, slope, and contour details. Such data is typically acquired through satellite imagery and GIS tools, offering a comprehensive understanding of the terrain.Once the data is gathered, it...
01:30Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device
Surveyors use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to measure the precise location and elevation of points on Earth. In a recent survey, GPS receivers were used to determine the coordinates and elevations of two park monuments. The process involved careful mission planning, data collection, and correction to ensure accuracy. The survey began with mission planning to identify optimal satellite visibility and minimize Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). A geodetic control point served as...
01:28Introduction to GIS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are tools for storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data alongside related attributes. Unlike traditional information systems that address general queries, GIS incorporates spatial components, enabling users to answer "where" and "how far." For example, GIS can process housing data linked to geographic locations like zip codes, allowing insights into population density or housing distribution through thematic maps.GIS integrates technologies such as...
01:25Selected Data About Geographic Locations
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rely on two core types of data: spatial data and attribute data.Spatial DataSpatial data defines the physical location of features within a coordinate system, typically expressed in terms of latitude and longitude. It provides precise positioning for elements like roads, rivers, or buildings.Attribute DataAttribute data complements spatial data by adding descriptive information about these features. For example, a road's spatial data includes its start and...