The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of the computerized ambulance record for defining and auditing ambulance services to a specific region. Data supplied by the Ontario Ambulance Services Information Services (O.A.S.I.S.) concerning all ambulance calls in the Hamilton District (population 500,000 for a 6 month period was analyzed and used.
Input data for the computer program was derived from information recorded on optical scanning computer forms. Separate forms were completed by a dispatcher from the Central Ambulance Dispatch Services (C.A.D.S.) and the ambulance attendant. Output data concerned analysis of: pick-up location destination; time demand; response characteristics; quality and type of casualty care; and effect of moving ambulance bases on travel time and priority of emergencies.
9,588 patients were transported by the Hamilton District Ambulance Services in a six month period. 9,388 were alive at the time of pick-up and 200 were dead. 45% were ill; 25% were transfers; and the rest were obstetrical or unmarked. 6,644 therapies were performed on 4,533 patients. The condition of the patients, 80% remained unchanged; 15% improved and 5% deteriorated during transportation. Analysis of the data could also be used to precisely define: the Hamilton District in terms of ambulance services; the response characteristics and utilization patterns of the H.D.A.S. and the changes in the location of ambulances necessary for improvement of response time.
It was concluded that the O.A.S.I.S. data could be used to define and audit the Hamilton District Ambulance Services.