Ambulance and helicopter response time and mortality: Differentiated response may enhance EMS efficacy and patient survival

Background

Short response time is pivotal in critical conditions such as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and trauma. Apart from these conditions, there is no scientific evidence besides best practice to justify that the shortest possible response time is related to mortality and patient outcome. Several confounders affect mortality and outcome including crowding and shortage of personnel.

Purpose

This Ph.D. study aims to enhance knowledge by way of two observational-retrospective studies on response time’s influence on mortality to provide decision-makers with the option of performing differentiated response urgency for optimal resource utilization.

Collaboration

The project is a collaboration between Region of Sothern Denmark and Capital Region and internationally with Oslo University Hospital. All 5 Danish EMS organization and the Danish Air Ambulance, Falck A/S, Responce A/S, PreMed A/S and the Norwegian Air Ambulance will be closely involved in the study.