Locating emergency vehicles: Modelling the substitutability of resources and the impact of delays in the arrival of assistance

A Multi-objective Mathematical Programing Model for the Problem of P-envy Emergency Medical Service Location

“…Emergency medical services (EMS) are public services systems whose aim is to answer emergency calls, provide EMS to decrease complications and mortality due to injuries in accidents, provide efficient on-time services to patients, and transfer patients to hospital if needed. [1][2][3] Proving emergency services at the time of the accident is very important because EMS services act as a part of the medical services at the time of the accident before arriving at the hospital. Thus, it can be stated that this type of service plays an important role in saving patients' lives and decreasing the mortality rate, and has become an important part of modern health systems.…”

“…4,5 Nevertheless, EMS service providers are usually faced with human resources, vehicles, and fund limitations, therefore assessing this type of service is a complicated task and needs analyzing the relationship between EMS and other available health resources and then deciding intelligibly to make the optimal use of the resources. 2,3 In addition to the quality of services, one of the effective factors in improving the EMS operation is the response time and providing services to patients. 1 According to the instructions of the Portuguese National Institute of Medical Emergency, the probability of survival of cardiac arrest victims with defibrillation rhythms decreases by nearly 10% to 12% per minute without electric defibrillation.…”

“…Hong Kong has defined a 12-minutes limitation for 92% to 95% of cases in rural or urban areas. 2 Furthermore, the number of vehicles and ambulances, their location, and the proper location of EMS centers are additional factors that influence faster service delivery and reduced survival and improvement rates. 2 The proper selection of the location is vital in reducing response time.…”

“…2 Furthermore, the number of vehicles and ambulances, their location, and the proper location of EMS centers are additional factors that influence faster service delivery and reduced survival and improvement rates. 2 The proper selection of the location is vital in reducing response time. Thus, the location of these centers in the urban space is a paramount issue.…”

“…4,5 Nevertheless, EMS service providers are usually faced with human resources, vehicles, and fund limitations, therefore assessing this type of service is a complicated task and needs analyzing the relationship between EMS and other available health resources and then deciding intelligibly to make the optimal use of the resources. 2,3…”