Spatial Analysis of Pre-Hospital Emergency Bases in Disasters in Tehran Province, Iran

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tehran is always exposed to various dangers due to its high population density. A geographic information system (GIS) can be very useful for reducing the financial and human burden caused by accidents, disasters, and diseases. METHODS: This field study was performed using a practical and descriptive research method. The pre-hospital emergency bases in the east of Tehran province and all the emergency bases covered by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in disasters were evaluated as a case study. The population of these cities amounted to 1,149,485 people and included cities in the east of Tehran province, Iran, including Damavand, Firoozkooh, Pakdasht, Pishva, Qarchak, and Varamin. FINDINGS: Rational maps were created and analyzed in the areas where emergency bases were located using ArcGIS software, as well as analysis of regions, distances, point density, and a combination of these factors. Regarding the standards and indicators, it was determined that the Disaster and Emergency Medical Management Center needs to have130 emergency medical technicians, 23 ambulances, and one ambulance bus to equip the exiting emergency bases according to the standard pre-hospital regulations. Other requirements in this regard include the replacement of worn-out ambulances with new ones, construction of two emergency bases in Qarchak, Tehran, Iran, and three emergency bases in Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran, as well as the transfer of bases in the proximity of faults and flood-prone areas to safe places. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, a comprehensive pre-hospital database was designed for the use of managers and officials in the occurrence of accidents, which might be used as a pilot work that can be expanded to other areas of Tehran, Iran, and other provinces in managing disasters and accidents.