The Impact of Ambulance usage on the Conveyance of Accident Victims in Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (Lasema)

Abstract

The benefits of planning a reliable and effective ambulance and emergency service for healthcare delivery are an indicator of sustainable development. This study assessed the impact of ambulance usage on the conveyance of accident victims in the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). Simple random sampling was used to sample respondents from the Agency. A total of fifty (50) structured questionnaires were administered to respondents. The questionnaire consists of twenty-one items and was prepared in such a way that it contains all the items under the survey. A simple frequency table was employed to analyze the data obtained. The research revealed that 62 % of the respondents were male and 38 % female while about 42 % accounted for insufficient ambulance vehicles which made the ambulance and emergency services not effective and efficient due to poor planning. Other factors include poor telecommunication service, negative perception that ambulances carry dead bodies, the demand for payment before patients are transported by ambulances, high cost of fuel, shortage of ambulances and the patients’ renege to fulfil an agreed bills and services. At a significant level of 0.05 using Pearson Correlation, Ho calculated (0.630) was less than H1 tabulated (1) and it was inferred that the positive impact of ambulance usage by accident victims can help promote sustainable ambulance usage and good healthcare delivery. The study concluded that public education on ambulance and emergency services will help rid of false perceptions.