A computer-based model for the analysis of ambulance operations in a geographic region : The case of Region Skåne

Abstract: Ambulances is a scarce resource that should be utilized in an optimized manner to help save lives and be financially sound in a socioeconomic perspective. The number of emergency calls are increasing as the population increases and in effect to other possible factors. To utilize existing resources, we should investigate possible ways of accomplishing this. Testing different approaches and evaluating policies is an expensive task if applied directly to real world ambulance systems. A cost-effective way of accomplishing this without burdening the ambulance systems is to simulate how things work.We suggest a model based on discrete events that can simulate the behaviours of the ambulances in a region. In collaboration with Region Skåne we have access to real-world data from SOS alarm with information from emergency calls and associated ambulance data. With this data we make assumptions of the model and help evaluating the validity of the model with the help of a scenario study. This research indicates that a discrete event simulation could be an adequate model and that real world data is helpful in guiding the model to imitate a real-world scenario. A simulation can always improve its accuracy and this study encourages further improvements.