Abstract
This study addresses the problem of optimizing composition and distribution of an ambulance fleet within an existing emergency medical system. The primary objective is to formulate a strategy aimed at minimizing response times and enhancing the system's responsiveness, particularly to critically ill patients. The optimal spatial distribution of various types of vehicles is proposed using a hierarchical p-median model. The effects of these strategies are evaluated through a detailed computer simulation model. Experimental studies have shown that optimizing station locations contributes more significantly than altering the fleet composition and associated dispatching protocols. In the context of the Slovak Republic, the proportion of high-priority incidents responded to within 8 minutes could be increased by 8.7% in urban areas and 10.5% in rural areas, solely through optimal deployment of currently active ambulances. An additional improvement of nearly 2% could be achieved by introducing 13 patient transport ambulances, optimally distributed throughout the country.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
