Emergency medical service systems as studied through simulation modeling

Abstract

This research provides a model for the simulation of emergency medical systems. The model is a discrete-event type digital simulation utilizing the GASP Programming Language. Emergency incidents are input through an exogenous event routine, and the model simulates the response to these incidents. This response includes vehicle dispatch, travel, treatment at the incident scene, transportation, delivery of the patient, and return to the dispatch point. The model includes reliability and maintainability considerations as these significantly impact the cost and performance effectiveness of emergency vehicles and equipment. A significant aspect of this research is the geographical mapping and routing algorithm which allows any area to be described in a readily usable digital format. The application of the model is demonstrated using Texarkana, Texas, as an example. This area has been described in the simulation format, actually emergency run data have been described in the simulation format, actual emergency run data have been collected for a one-year period, and the emergency medical services system (EMSS) has been simulated. Simulated results have been validated by comparison to actual experience in the area.