Are hospital-based Emergency Medical Services effective and efficient
Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES)DRRES-1
This Rapid Response should be cited as
ACRES (2010) Are hospital-based Emergency Medical Services effective and efficient; A Rapid Response Brief. Kampala: The Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis
Summary
Background: Effective Emergency Medical Services (EMS) aim to provide timely care for medical emergencies, including pre-hospital care, transfer, and in-hospital treatment. A well-coordinated, designed, and locally appropriate system is crucial for rapid assessment, timely intervention, and prompt transportation to appropriate facilities. However, emergency care services often receive low priority in low-income countries. Findings: Hospital-based EMS are a leading option in Uganda due to existing infrastructure, personnel, and equipment. However, they face challenges such as demand outpacing capacity, emergency department crowding, boarding, ambulance diversion, inefficient resource use, inadequate surge capacity, medical liability, fragmented systems, lack of performance measurement and accountability, and inadequate research and infrastructure. Conclusion: Strengthening emergency and trauma systems in Uganda could improve survival rates.