Using personal cars for emergency transport of patients with life-threatening medical conditions: A pilot study. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Radun, Igor; Radun, Jenni; Kaistinen, Jyrki; Wedenoja, Juho; Lajunen, Timo
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport & health. Volume 24(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Emergency medical services -- Active travel -- Cost-benefit analysis -- Health -- Personal car use; Transportation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Noise, Transportation -- Periodicals; Air Pollutants -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2022.101339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-1405

Abstract

Abstract: Personal motor vehicle usage is not typically associated with health benefits in any cost-benefit analysis of different modes of transport. In this study, we explored the usage of personal cars for emergency transport to a hospital or emergency department because of a life-threatening situation. The data for the study were gathered as a part of a larger traffic safety survey. The sample was representative of Finnish-speaking residents older than 15 years (N = 1025). Every seventh (14.2%) respondent reported that someone from their household had used a personal car to transport a person requiring urgent medical attention to a hospital or emergency department. The types of life-threatening situations and reasons for using a personal car in these instances were also reported. We discuss the implications for cost-benefit analyses of this transportation mode. Highlights: Unlike active transport, driving personal cars is not associated with health benefits. Anecdotal evidence suggests some lives are saved through emergency health transport by cars. Data were collected from a representative sample of Finnish adults. Fourteen percent reported that someone from their household had used a personal car for emergency transport. It is possible that the number of such saved lives outweighs the lives lost in car crashes.