Improving the Response Time of Ambulances Using Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) in Gaza City in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

Improving the Response Time of Ambulances Using Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) in Gaza City in the Gaza Strip Dr. Abed Schokry Abstract An Emergency Medical Service (EMS) has significant impact on health service provision. Its importance refers to that failure of ambulances to respond to emergency calls within set times may result in loss of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of using a Global Positioning System (GPS) on EMS response time in a district of Gaza City. A digital routable map, as an equivalent system to GPS, was placed in an ambulance of an EMS provider. The system was programmed to select the fastest route to the scene. Over a one-week period, data were collected using one ambulance with the same driver and same navigation team. The ambulance driver was asked to drive to a randomly selected address once without using the GPS equivalent system and another with using it, the response time was recorded every time using a stopwatch. The results confirm that the mean response time of the ambulance with GPS was significantly shorter, 4.7 min. +/-1.5 min (mean +/- SD) compared to the response time without GPS which was 6.05+/- 3.04 min (mean +/- SD). GPS technology can significantly improve EMS response time to the scene of emergencies by as much as 20%. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jea.v3n2a7