Framework for Optimizing Air Ambulance Locations.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Operations Research
• Transportation Science

Background:

• Air ambulances enhance medical care access for rural and underserved populations.
• Current air ambulance base allocation lacks a health outcomes-based approach, relying on operator decisions.
• Optimizing air ambulance deployment is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework for optimizing air ambulance service delivery.
• To identify optimal air ambulance base locations using healthcare demand and locational constraints.
• To demonstrate the application of a data-driven approach for health transportation planning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an information systems approach.
• Applied linear programming models to determine optimal base locations.
• Incorporated healthcare demand and transportation constraints into the model.

Main Results:

• Identified data-driven optimal locations for air ambulance bases at state and regional levels.
• Demonstrated the framework's application in Virginia and New England use cases.
• Highlighted the critical role of data interoperability in health transportation planning.

Conclusions:

• A health outcomes-based, data-driven framework can optimize air ambulance service delivery.
• Optimal base placement significantly impacts the effectiveness of air ambulance services.
• Interoperable health and transportation data are essential for efficient emergency medical services planning.