Assessment of Ambulance Response Time: A Study of Tabriz Emergency Medical Center, Tabriz City, Iran

Abstract

Background: Emergency medical services are vital in timely treating victims and reducing injury and mortality rates. Ambulance response time is an essential variable in evaluating the quality of these services. This study aims to determine the ambulance response time and compare it to some background variables. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on ambulance emergency missions in Tabriz Emergency Medical Center, Tabriz, Iran. The data file related to the eligible missions in the server of the center was read and listened and ambulance response time and background variables were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The Mean±SD ambulance response time was 11.58±5.69 min, which was long. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between ambulance response time and technical readiness, traffic conditions, accident time, and the educational level of ambulance personnel. Conclusion: Compared to the standard value, the average ambulance response time in Tabriz Emergency Medical Center was longer. By recognizing the influential variables and taking the required actions, one can improve the ambulance response time and facilitate medical services in emergency conditions.