Factors that influence ambulance response time in handling emergency cases in Magelang, Central Java

Ambulance response time is an important factor in emergency medical services (EMS) outcomes. The Magelang region is an area with diverse conditions. However, the government has implemented a “one village one ambulance” program to improve emergency services to the community. Timely treatment can have a significant impact on patient survival and recovery. This study aims to identify and analyze factors that influence ambulance response times in handling emergency cases in the Magelang area. Using a combination of quantitative methods, data were collected from a variety of EMS providers, including urban and rural areas providing emergency services. This study examines variables such as geographic location, traffic conditions, communications, availability of ambulance units, time of day, call volume, weather conditions, and dispatch system efficiency. The sample used was the Magelang area ambulance team. The results showed that the characteristics of the respondents were 82% village ambulances, 15% volunteer ambulances and 3% government ambulances. The majority of respondents, 88%, have worked for 1-5 years and 87% already have an ambulance training certificate. Of the 34 respondents, the average response time was 11-20 minutes (47%) and the average was 21-30 minutes (26%). Factors that influence the response time to the incident location are difficult/distant locations (88%) and 6% stated a lack of effective communication. Meanwhile, factors that influence the response time from the incident location to the health service center are sometimes traffic congestion, no communication between the ambulance team and the referral health service location, and the ambulance team’s preparedness is still lacking. This study also found that 88% of respondents stated that ambulance management was not yet effective and 97% of respondents wanted continuous ambulance team training.