Simulation modeling for emergency medical service systems

Abstract

A simulation model was developed with the purpose of providing EMS planners and managers with a tool to help them in the planning of their operations and in their decision making role in general. The model was successfully tested on one of the seven EMS regions in the state of West Virginia. Policy changes were tested by running the model under different conditions, and measuring their impact on the performance of the EMS system. Policies investigated include the elimination and addition of squads, reallocation of vehicles, and changing the level of personnel training and preparedness.