Development of an Operational Model for Medical and Public Health Emergency Response to Road Traffic Accidents in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study employed an action research design with three objectives: (1) to examine the current operational situation regarding medical and public health emergency response to road traffic accidents; (2) to develop an operational model for medical and public health emergency response to road traffic accidents; and (3) to evaluate the developed operational model for medical and public health emergency response to road traffic accidents in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research instruments consisted of a document analysis form, a focus group discussion guide, a field development and monitoring visit record form, a questionnaire, and an in-depth interview guide. The sample comprised: (1) 2 provincial-level administrators; (2) 64 district-level administrators; (3) 1 representative from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police; (4) 4 representatives from the Nakhon Ratchasima Rescue Foundation; (5) 1 representative from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; (6) 64 field-level operational personnel; and (7) 30 members of the public who had experience riding bicycles or motorcycles in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic categorization.

               The research findings revealed the following: (1) Nakhon Ratchasima Province ranked first in mortality rate within Health Region 9. Prevention measures included the issuance of an order establishing an Emergency Operations Center, and preventive operations were carried out through integrated collaboration among network partners. The problems identified included physical limitations, transportation infrastructure, and driver behavior. (2) The developed operational model for medical and public health emergency response to road traffic accidents was based on collaborative efforts across all relevant sectors, under the conceptual framework of the KORAT EMS SMART Model, comprising: Knowledge & Risk Mapping, Organization & Command Center, Rapid Response Team, Advanced Trauma Care Network, Technology & Telemedicine, and Sustainability & Community Participation. (3) Evaluation of the operational model revealed that overall road-use behavior was rated at a frequent level (x̄ = 3.54, S.D. = .62); overall satisfaction was rated at a high level (x̄ = 3.96, S.D. = .60); and overall needs were rated at the highest level (x̄ = 4.29, S.D. = .61). The survival rate among critically injured patients classified as Priority 1 (P1) showed an improving trend. Recommendations include expanding EMS units and continuously reviewing knowledge related to medical and public health emergency response.