Evaluation of an EMS communications system

This report details the first in-depth evaluation of a medical emergency radio system. The methodology emphasizes evaluation of problems in human/machine interface and the use to which radio information is put by the hospitals. The radio equipment was reliable. A check-out procedure could reduce needless calls for repair. The results of a test of knowledge of the system were poor, but improved with frequency of use. Hospital personnel felt the use of the system improved patient care to a greater degree than did ambulance company personnel. Twenty-five percent of the ambulance personnel felt the hospitals were seldom prepared to receive patients while hospital personnel felt they were prepared 95.5% of the time. The system could handle twice the volume of calls without significantly increasing the chances for interference. The system was generally effective but changes in organization, training and human factors could enhance the usefulness of the system within the technological boundaries imposed by the radio equipment.