The Pattern of Pre-hospital Medical Service Delivery in Iran; a Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-hospital emergency systems provide service by Franco-German and Anglo American models. This study was carried out to compare the Iranian emergency medical service (EMS) with the two models regarding timing and equipment. Methods: In this cross sectional study, response time, scene time, and transport time to hospital as well as ambulance equipment of five hundred thousand Tehran EMS recorded missions, during one year, were compared with Franco-German and Anglo American models, trying to determine the pattern of EMS delivery in Iran.  Results: The mean response time, scene time, and transport time to hospital were 15.00 ±10.88, 18 ±11.48, and 15.00 ±11.20 minutes, respectively. The mean response time (p<0.035), scene time (p<0.033), and transport time to hospital (p<0.015) were more than the standard time. Percentage of ambulances quipped with automated external defibrillator (45%, p<0.001), ventilator (2%, p<0.001), disposable splint (0%, p<0.001), and wheelchair (0%, p<0.001) were very far from standards. Conclusion: The pattern of EMS delivery in Iran was a combination of Anglo American and Franco-German system.

Keywords

• Equipment safety
• emergency medical service
• response latency
• ambulances