This study will address the cost of running ambulance services in rural areas by organizational structure/source of funding, the factors contributing to differences in costs, and factors contributing to differences in financial viability. The study will use a mixed- methods approach, incorporating quantitative analysis of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) data and qualitative data collected from key informant interviews and surveys addressing the costs of running an ambulance service. The study will include a minimum of two case studies of rural ambulance services per state in eight states evenly dispersed among each of the 4 Census Regions (i.e. a minimum of 16 case studies) to address factors contributing to differences in costs.

Publications

• A Consensus Panel Approach to Estimating the Start-Up and Annual Service Costs for Rural Ambulance Agencies
  Policy Brief
  Maine Rural Health Research Center
  Date: 08/2023
  This brief fills the information void on the costs of running rural ambulance services and establishes a minimum access standard for ambulances servicing a 25-minute travel time radius from the ambulance station, enabling policymakers and community stakeholders to develop strategic plans for the financing and provision of ambulance services.