Ambulance Crash During Emergency Operation in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background: Due to the nature of emergency medical services (EMS) and the rush to provide emergency services, ambulance crashes (ACs) occur more frequently and more severely than crashes related to vehicles with similar size and weight characteristics, disrupting the relief process. This research was done to explain the experiences of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in ACs and provide solutions to prevent and mitigate these accidents. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study used a framework analysis approach and a purposeful sampling method. It involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 18 EMTs who had experiences with ACs. The study utilized the Haddon matrix framework as the basic framework. Data analysis and code extraction were carried out using MAXQDA software, version 10. The codes were extracted using both deductive and inductive methods. Results: According to the Haddon matrix framework, in the host part, factors include personnel health, lack of skills, a staffing shortage, stress and fear, burnout and feeling unsupported. In the agent part, factors include worn-out ambulances, a shortage of them, speed, lights-and-siren use that stabilizes the vehicle, and delays in EMS. In the environment part, factors include public expectations for response times, unsafe roads, unfamiliarity with the roads, inadequate emergency service coverage and root cause analysis. Conclusion: Generally, working in an ambulance can be hazardous. Implementing educational, operational, and engineering strategies can significantly reduce the risk of harm to EMS providers, patients and the public.