An Analysis of the Structure of Emergency Medical Service Systems in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, Missouri

The purpose of this thesis/analysis is to examine certain factors available through research to determine if there is evidence of excess resources or underutilization of resources by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers in the greater St. Louis area. The information to be gained from this study would provide a starting point for determining the direction and design of a model regional EMS system to be offered by St. Louis University Medical Center for further consideration to the community at large. Although it is anticipated that there are many complex factors interacting upon each EMS provider, it is hoped that comparison of run volume and population data against physical resources and staffing levels will result in a valid understanding of resource utilization. From that point we would be able to proceed in a more informed way toward addressing the next stages in our system model, which would be built upon the fundamental parameters of: (1) cost efficient utilization of physical resources and personnel, and (2) more efficient operation of the system areawide. Upon survey of the data available at this time, it appears that very little effort has been expended in analyzing the area of emergency medical services. The experience and information base gained through this study will help greatly to form a useful base for current and future planners in our area