Design and Feasibility of a Community Motorcycle Ambulance System in the Philippines

TL;DR

This paper explores the design and feasibility of deploying motorcycle ambulances in Philippine cities to improve emergency response times and cost-efficiency, supported by pilot program planning and community feedback.

Contribution

It proposes a framework for motorcycle ambulance deployment in the Philippines and assesses its feasibility through site analysis and community surveys.

Findings

Public trust in motorlance concept is high.

Cost analysis shows financial viability.

Pilot program plans are underway in Mandaluyong.

Abstract

This study investigates the potential for motorcycle ambulance (motorlance) deployment in Metro Manila and Iloilo City to improve emergency medical care in high-traffic, underserved regions of the Philippines. VSee, a humanitarian technology company, has organized numerous free clinics in the Philippines and identified a critical need for improved emergency services. Motorlances offer a fast, affordable alternative to traditional ambulances, particularly in congested urban settings and remote rural locations. Pilot programs in Malawi, Thailand, and Iran have demonstrated significant improvements in response times and cost-efficiency with motorlance systems. This study presents a framework for motorlance operation and identifies three potential pilot locations: Mandaluyong, Smokey Mountain, and Iloilo City. Site visits, driver interviews, and user surveys indicate public trust in the motorlance concept and positive reception to potential motorlance deployment. Cost analysis verifies the financial feasibility of motorlance systems. Future work will focus on implementing a physical pilot in Mandaluyong, with the aim of expanding service to similar regions contingent on the Mandaluyong pilot's success.