The National Ambulance Service of Ghana: Changes in capacity and utilization over 20 years

Abstract

Introduction

Emergency medical services (EMS) are minimally developed in many African countries. We sought to document the achievements and challenges faced by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) of Ghana during its 20-year nationwide expansion, and to understand how well it is providing access to previously unserved, remoter areas.

Methods

Data routinely collected by NAS from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed, including structure and capacity (number of stations, ambulances, employees) and utilization and process of care (number of patients served, demographics, medical conditions, response site). Per population indicators of capacity and utilization were compared across Ghana's 16 regions.

Results

From 64 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and nine ambulances in 2004, NAS has grown to 3,473 EMTs and 356 ambulances. From covering three cities in 2004, NAS now has at least one station in each of Ghana's 261 districts. From transporting 205 patients in 2004, NAS transported 38,393 patients in 2022. There have been interruptions due to financial restrictions, with numbers of patients transported per year in 2017–2019 decreasing by over 50% from the prior peak (n = 20,236 in 2014). In 2022, there were 1.13 ambulances per 100,000 people and 0.33 transports/100,000/day. Most (81.3%) transports are inter-facility transfers. Among Ghana's 16 regions, there is moderate variation in utilization from 0.16 to 0.50 transports/100,000/day. However, the three lowest-income, remoter regions currently have utilizations of 0.16, 0.30, and 0.37 transports/100,000/day, mostly near the National average of 0.33.

Conclusion

Despite periodic limitations due to finances, the NAS has expanded to cover all of Ghana's 261 districts and has largely achieved geographic equity. Sustainability has been aided by having a training school directly under NAS's control, assuring a steady supply of EMTs. Challenges include assuring financial stability and increasing utilization for emergencies at the scene, in addition to the current high utilization for inter-facility transfer.