Decision support tools for ambulance dispatch and relocation

Abstract

In this paper, the development of decision support tools for dynamic ambulance relocation and automatic ambulance dispatching is described. The ambulance dispatch problem is to choose which ambulance to send to a patient. The dynamic ambulance relocation problem occurs in the operational control of ambulances. The objective is to find new locations for some of the ambulances, to increase the preparedness in the area of responsibility. Preparedness is a way of evaluating the ability to serve potential patients with ambulances now and in the future. Computational tests using a simulation model show that the tools are beneficial in reducing the waiting periods for the patients.

Keywords:

• health
• logistics
• optimisation
• simulation
• heuristics

Acknowledgements

This research was partly sponsored by SOS Alarm. We thank SOS Alarm for the privilege of working with them and for the constant support and encouragement.