ประสิทธิผลของการพัฒนารูปแบบการจัดบริการการแพทย์ฉุกเฉินก่อนถึงโรงพยาบาล ของเทศบาลเมืองพิจิตรต่อระยะเวลาตอบสนอง (Response Time) ปีงบประมาณ 2569

woraluk Boonnuwong

Authors

woraluk Boonnuwong Public Health and Environment Division, Phichit Town Municipality, Phichit Province

Keywords:

Prehospital emergency medical services, Response time, Research and development, Emergency medical service delivery

Abstract

Background: Prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a vital role in providing timely access to emergency care, particularly for time-sensitive conditions. However, the EMS system of Phichit Municipality had a response time exceeding the national benchmark of 8 minutes, indicating the need to develop a service model tailored to the local context.

Objectives: To (1) investigate the current situation and factors associated with EMS response time; (2) develop a prehospital EMS service model for Phichit Municipality; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the developed model in reducing response time and increasing the proportion of patients reached within 8 minutes.

Methods: This research and development (R&D) study was conducted between 2025 and 2026 in three phases: (1) situation analysis using EMS operational data and interviews with 15 purposively selected stakeholders; (2) development of the EMS service model through participatory workshops; and (3) evaluation of the model using a quasi-experimental before-and-after design, comparing 348 EMS missions before and 348 missions after implementation. Research instruments were validated by three experts (IOC = 0.67–1.00). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test, independent t-test, and chi-square test.

Results: Before implementation, the mean response time was 9.0 ± 3.3 minutes, and 41.4% of patients were reached within 8 minutes. Response time was significantly associated with travel distance, operational period, and service zone (p < .05). The developed EMS service model comprised standardized dispatch protocols, strategic deployment of EMS units, vehicle and equipment readiness checks, standardized time recording, and performance monitoring. Following implementation, the mean response time significantly decreased to 7.6 ± 2.8 minutes, while the proportion of patients reached within 8 minutes increased to 67.0% (p < .001).

Conclusions: The developed prehospital EMS service model effectively reduced response time and improved timely access to emergency care. The model may be adapted for use in settings with similar characteristics, with appropriate modifications to suit local resources and service contexts.

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