Impact of community socioeconomic characteristics on Emergency Medical Service delays in responding to fatal vehicle crashes

Objective: To determine the impact of community socioeconomic status on emergency medical services (EMS) response time for fatal vehicle crashes.Methods: We used 2019 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System and 2019-2020 Area Health Resource Files to obtain EMS intervals county characteristics (median household income, availability trauma centers, rurality, etc.) generating a study sample 18,540 individuals involved in crashes between January December 2019. Generalized Linear Models with log-link Gamma-family were estimates other variables adjusted model.Results: Both mean arrival site crash transport from hospital varied by status. Counties higher income had 12% shorter times up 7% compared counties lower also proximity centers 15% that two or more without centers.Conclusions: Our shows disparities rescue crashes. Community play major role intervals. Prior research demonstrated strong link timeliness likelihood survival motor accidents. findings showing socioeconomically disadvantaged areas those lacking facilities slower times, suggest may be predictor mortality accidents.Policy implications: Effective are essential reduce morbidity among victims, however, exist these geographic characteristics. Further is urgently needed inform policy interventions.