Using Novel Technologies to Implement Belize's First Formal Prehospital Emergency System

Abstract

Introduction:Belize has no formal prehospital emergency medical system, leaving the majority of acutely sick and injured persons overwhelmingly dependent on private transport. To address this issue, a collaboration of public and non-profit partners worked with the Belize National Fire Service to implement the country's first formal prehospital emergency medical service using novel communications technologies. With new resources and vehicles already donated to the fire service, the collaboration focused specifically on the communications component of the response system, specifically to improve the handling of incoming requests for emergency assistance from the public, as well as to improve the process of dispatching prehospital personnel using readily-available mobile technologies.Method:Working with the Belize National Fire Service, program partners implemented the country's first emergency communications center, trained new dispatchers, field-tested the dispatch technology through intensive training sessions, and launched the system in the capital district of Cayo.Results:Launched in June 2022, the program has thus far achieved the following outcomes: Active Dispatchers: 26Active Responders: 104Emergencies Dispatched: 156Average Scene Response Time: 7m45sConclusion:Over the past year, partner NGOs Trek Medics and Empact Northwest have worked collaboratively to implement a first-ever centralized emergency dispatch system for the Belize National Fire Service, using a novel cloud-based dispatch software running on readily-available mobile phones and mobile. In addition to drastic improvements in response performance, satisfaction among system managers and response personnel is high, with plans currently underway to scale the program nationally.