Prehospital Care (EMS) in Yemen: Brief Report

Abstract

Objective: A well-organized emergency medical system with adequate prehospital care can save lives and prevent disability. In Yemen, there are no data available about its prehospital care system. This qualitative, cross-sectional study aims to assess the status of prehospital care or emergency medical services in Yemen. Methods: Data were collected from January to February 2019 through interviews and a questionnaire obtained from the Prehospital Trauma Care Systems Guideline published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Respondents were key representatives of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), Civil Defense/Police departments, and Yemeni Red Crescent Association (YRCA). Results: Overall, based on 153 responses, it was found that, despite the availability of some formal services, the prehospital care system in Yemen is uncoordinated, fragmented, and insufficient. Conclusions: Given the importance of regulation, legislation, and funding support in the establishment of an effective prehospital care system, these areas merit the greatest attention and efforts. Future policies and strategies should also strive to improve communication and coordination between existing prehospital care providers, to establish a lead agency, and to increase accessibility to training.