Factors affecting the ambulance response times of trauma incidents in Singapore

Abstract

ObjectivesTime to definitive care is important for trauma outcomes, thus many emergency medical services (EMS) systems in the world adopt response times of ambulances as a key performance indicator. The objective of this study is to examine the underlying risk factors that can affect ambulance response times (ART) for trauma incidents, so as to derive interventional measures that can improve the ART. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study based on two years of trauma data obtained from the national EMS operations centre of Singapore. Trauma patients served by the national EMS provider over the period from 1 January 2011 till 31 December 2012 were included. ART was categorized into “Short” (<4min), “Intermediate” (4–8min) and “Long” (>8min) response times. A modelling framework which leveraged on both multinomial logistic (MNL) regression models and Bayesian networks was proposed for the identification of main and interaction effects. ResultsAmongst the process-related risk factors, weather, traffic and place of incident were found to be significant. The traffic conditions on the roads were found to have the largest effect—the odds ratio (OR) of “Long” ART in heavy traffic condition was 12.98 (95% CI: 10.66–15.79) times higher than that under light traffic conditions. In addition, the ORs of “Long ART” under “Heavy Rain” condition were significantly higher (OR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26–1.97) than calls responded under “Fine” weather. After accounting for confounders, the ORs of “Long” ART for trauma incidents at “Home” or “Commercial” locations were also significantly higher than that for “Road” incidents. ConclusionTraffic, weather and the place of incident were found to be significant in affecting the ART. The evaluation of factors affecting the ART enables the development of effective interventions for reducing the ART.