CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
The efficient management of ambulance services is crucial for providing timely medical assistance
and saving lives. However, traditional ambulance management systems often rely on manual
processes, paper-based records, and limited real-time information, leading to delays and
inefficiencies. The advent of web-based technologies has enabled the development of more
effective and efficient ambulance management systems. This literature review aims to synthesize
existing research on web-based ambulance management systems, identifying key features,
benefits, and challenges.
2.1 Background of Study
Studies have consistently shown that web-based ambulance management systems improve
response times, reduce errors, and enhance patient care. These systems enable real-time tracking
of ambulance locations, automated dispatch, and electronic patient records. Additionally, web-
based systems facilitate communication between ambulance crews, hospitals, and emergency
services, streamlining the patient transfer process.
2.2 Review Existing Systems
With prior knowledge of the operations and processes of the existing systems, as discussed in the
previous chapter, this section per research will be reviewed to understand exactly how the system
works.
2.2.1 Fleet Management of the National Ambulance Service of Ghana
Ambulances are stationed at designated points across the country, including hospitals, fire stations,
and dedicated ambulance stations. The service uses a combination of radio communication and
mobile phones to coordinate responses and communicate with hospitals. Data are collected on
paper forms, entered into a database daily, and reviewed for accuracy by station supervisors. When
a call is received from the control room, the dispatcher sends the nearest ambulance to the scene.
The ambulance crew assesses the patient's condition and provides basic life support and
stabilization before transporting them to the hospital.
2.2.2 The Smart Ambulance Application
The smart ambulance application is an Android application that focuses on providing emergency
health care in various cities. Hospitals in cities, which want to implement this system, should share
their doctor capacity and density information with the system. In addition to this information, the
smart ambulance application in smart cities needs a mobile phone inside the ambulances to keep
the information, location of the ambulances and store them in the system. User calls the ambulance
by entering the required information. At the end of this request, the required information entered
by the user must be seen in the admin's interface. Hospital information and the traffic information
can be accessed from the ambulance's interface.
2.2.3 The Ambulance Driver Application
The ambulance driver application is also an Android application that focuses on using accident
spot images to provide emergency care to those in need. In this feature two android application is
been develop which will provide availability of ambulance. CITIZEN APP is for the patients/users.
Users can click the images of the accident and send it to the ambulance driver app. AMBULANCE
DRIVER APP: This application will be used by the Ambulance Driver. In this application
ambulance drivers will get the request list of accident images along with the live location, As the
citizen app will send images of accident spots with live location to ambulance driver app and
ambulance driver close to that spot can accept the request and reach towards the location as soon
as possible to a nearby hospitals or clinics.
2.2.4 Snapshot of the Existing System and their Limitations
Figure 2.1. Fleet Management of the National Ambulance Service of Ghana
2.2.5 Limitations of Fleet Management of the National Ambulance Service of Ghana
Poor fleet monitoring
Data are collected on paper forms
Data or information can be lost or manipulated
Unlimited calls to handle at the control room
Poor arrival time
Figure 2.2 Smart ambulance application
2.2.6 Limitations of the Smart Ambulance Application
Technical issues: Connectivity problems, software glitches, or hardware malfunctions can
hinder the app's performance.
Continuous updates: Regular updates and maintenance are necessary to ensure the app stays
current with medical guidelines and advancements.
Data accuracy: Inaccurate or incomplete patient information can lead to incorrect triage or
treatment decisions.
User adoption: Ambulance staff and medical professionals may need training to effectively
use the app.
Privacy concerns: Ensuring the security and privacy of patient data is crucial to maintain
confidentiality
Figure 2.3 Ambulance Driver Application Citizen Application
2.2.7 Limitations of the Ambulance Driver Application
It is complex to use
User adoption: Ambulance staff and medical professionals may need training to
effectively use the app.
Patient data security: Ensuring the security and privacy of patient data during
transmission and storage is crucial.
App functionality during emergencies: The app's performance during high-pressure
situations or multiple emergency calls simultaneously may be compromised.
Communication limitations: The app may not facilitate seamless communication
between drivers and medical teams or dispatchers.
2.2.8 Comparative Study of Reviewed Systems
Fleet Management of the National Ambulance Service of Ghana focuses on when
emergency Call is received by the dispatch center through a dedicated phone number The
dispatcher collects essential information from the caller, including:
Location (address or landmarks)
Number of patients
Nature of the emergency (e.g., accident, illness, injury)
Patient's condition (e.g., conscious, unconscious, bleeding). But does not have a centralized
Database. Where inform are kept and also manually write client information on paper
which can be lost and does not have accurate response time.
The Smart Ambulance Application is an Android application that focuses on providing
emergency healthcare in various cities. User requests an ambulance by selecting their
location and providing basic medical information Request is sent to the dispatch center,
Dispatch center assigns an ambulance and provides estimated arrival time. It is complex to
use and requires Ambulance staff and medical professionals to be trained to effectively use
the app.
The ambulance driver application focuses on using accident spot images to provide
emergency care to those in need. Driver logs in to the app Receives assignment and patient
information Navigates to the pickup location using GPS Confirms patient identity and
condition. It is also complex to use and will require Technical knowledge on technical
difficulties, such as server errors or connectivity problems
2.2.9 Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the existing system provide inadequate data management and analysis
Inefficient dispatch and communication systems and prolonged response times. The proposed
System seek to obtain accurate positioning, increasing patient choice of care and finally,
Allowing Ambulance personnel to modify patient medical records based on their condition.