Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- abbas naboureh 1
- Mehrdad Farrokhi 2
- Mohammad Saatchi 3
- Shokofeh Ahmadi 4
- Babak Farzinnia 5
- Ferydon layeghi 6
- Hamidreza Khankeh 7
1 PhD Candidate (health in disasters and emergenceis), Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor of Environmental Health Engineering, Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5 Assistant Professor of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
6 Associate Professor of Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran.
7 Professor of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Professor of Health in Disasters
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Iran's rapid urbanization has increased demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), significantly straining available resources. Addressing the challenges in providing pre-hospital emergency care is crucial for ensuring the delivery of lifesaving services in mega cities. Consequently, this qualitative study was conducted to identify the key issues within EMS in large urban areas.
METHODS: This study used qualitative content analysis as the research methodology. Conducted in 2023, the study involved 21 Iranian EMS stakeholders, selected through purposive sampling with maximum diversity to ensure a broad range of expertise. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were conducted until data saturation was reached. The analysis followed the method proposed by Landman and Graneheim, involving systematic coding and categorization to identify key themes and patterns related to EMS challenges.
RESULTS: Seventeen males and four females participated in the study . Data analysis identified eight subcategories, grouped into three overarching main categories based on their similarities. These main categories addressed challenges in EMS delivery, emerging issues in EMS demand, and resource constraints.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the challenges faced by Iran’s EMS in megacities due to rapid urbanization and an aging population. Key issues include operational inefficiencies, increasing demand, and limited resources. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of EMS. Further research is needed to develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and strengthen EMS in large urban centers.
Keywords
)