Effectiveness of Emergency Medical Services Networks

Abstract

            Inhomogeneous patterns of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Networks in each province of Thailand lead to different outcomes of prehospital services. Therefore, the researchers examined the effectiveness of the operation process of the EMS organization networks and the suitable model of EMS for Thailand was proposed. With a high gap of different performance, EMS networks systems in Khon Kaen and Nonthaburi provinces of Thailand were studied. The research methodology, including in-depth interviews, non-participatory observation, group discussions, and documentary research were used. The results showed that Khon Kaen province had high effectiveness in governing the EMS organization network because the number of members enrolled in the network was expanded adequately to cover the entire services of the province.  System of communication and coordination between subunits in networks was well arranged and performed quickly. This enabled quick access to emergency patients and provided on-site treatment for a proper time. Learning process by knowledge management and sharing in networks was a key factor to knowledgeable and skillful organizations. The emergency medical dispatch center provided treatment and advice to the emergency medical care providers under the control and responsibility of emergency medicine physicians. These quality services could save a large number of patients' lives. Nonthaburi EMS network governance was less productive because the number of members in-network was not sufficient. Lack of enough communication tools was another problem in the network. In addition, arrangement of knowledge management was not performed evenly through all the entire networks. There is no one-size-fits-all model for Thailand. However the appropriate EMS model for each province should be modified based on the EMS provider skills and hospital accessibility of each area.