Providing a model for the issue of multi-period ambulance location

TL;DR

This paper introduces two mathematical models for ambulance location and transfer, incorporating realistic features like demand distribution and time slots, aiming to optimize operational efficiency and response times.

Contribution

It presents novel models that include ambulance transfer and demand distribution, enhancing realism in emergency vehicle allocation models.

Findings

Incorporating ambulance transfer reduces response times.

Models effectively meet demand across geographical zones.

Cost minimization is achieved while ensuring coverage.

Abstract

In this study, two mathematical models have been developed for assigning emergency vehicles, namely ambulances, to geographical areas. The first model, which is based on the assignment problem, the ambulance transfer (moving ambulances) between locations has not been considered. As ambulance transfer can improve system efficiency by decreasing the response time as well as operational cost, we consider this in the second model, which is based on the transportation problem. Both models assume that the demand of all geographical locations must be met. The major contributions of this study are: ambulance transfer between locations, day split into several time slots, and demand distribution of the geographical zone. To the best of our knowledge the first two have not been studied before. These extensions allow us to have a more realistic model of the real-world operation. Although, in previous studies, maximizing coverage has been the main objective of the goal, here, minimizing operating costs is a function of the main objective, because we have assumed that the demand of all geographical areas must be met.