Impact of Temperature on Response Times in Emergency Medical Services

Background: Situations involving ambulance dispatch can be influenced by environmental factors, such as weather and climate. Therefore, this study investigates how temperature impacts the response time of emergency medical services in Golestan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted to analyze the impact of temperature on EMS response times in Golestan Province, Iran, from March ۲۱, ۲۰۱۹ to March ۲۰, ۲۰۲۴. Data were collected from the pre-hospital care report (PCR) and the Golestan Meteorological Department using the convenience sampling method. Also, the variability in ambulance response time was examined in relation to the documented temperatures. Results: Our research findings revealed that the highest rate of calls leading to ambulance dispatches occurred at an average temperature of ۲۵–۳۰ °C (۲۵.۷۹%). In contrast, the lowest frequency of calls resulting in ambulance deployments was recorded at temperatures below ۵ °C (۲.۱۷%), a difference that is statistically significant. Additionally, we found that the response times at temperatures under ۵ degrees and above ۳۰ °C were longer than at other temperature ranges and surpassed the national standard. Conclusion: Our research found that the highest number of calls resulting in ambulance dispatch occurred during times of increased average temperatures. Additional studies support our findings, indicating that EMS responses tend to rise with rising temperatures. This study provides data-driven proof for planners to address the challenges presented by climate change. By predicting surges in service demands during climate fluctuations, we can strategize for effective resource distribution and reduce patient wait times.

کلیدواژه ها:

Climate change ، Mortality ، Temperature ، Emergency medical services ، Response Time