Equity-constrained dispatching models for emergency medical services

摘要: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply agent-based modeling and simulation concepts in evaluating different approaches solve ambulance-dispatching decision problems under bounded rationality. The investigates the effect over-responding, i.e. dispatching ambulances even for doubtful high-risk patients, on performance equity constrained emergency medical services. Design/methodology/approach Agent-based was used evaluate two policies: first, a policy based maximum reward, second, Markov process formulation. Four constraints were used: from patients’ side providers’ side. Findings The formulation, solved using value iteration method, performed better than reward method terms number patients served. As conflict with each other, at most three could be enforced time. study revealed that it safe over-respond if there uncertainty risk level patients. Research limitations/implications Further research required understand implications under-responding, where are denied an ambulance service. Practical implications The need good triage system apparent as over-responding badly affects operational budget. model can various decisions. Social implications Emergency services have ensure efficient equitable provision services, perception both service providers. Originality/value The applies highlights findings not reported existing literature.