By SA国际传媒 staff
ATLANTA 鈥� A recent across the United States reveals stark disparities in funding, staffing and patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas, low-income neighborhoods and among minority populations. The report suggests that these disparities may hinder the quality of emergency care, especially for critical conditions like cardiac arrest and stroke.
The study found that EMS response times for cardiac arrest patients are 10% longer in low-income areas compared to high-income neighborhoods. Rural EMS services, often relying on volunteers or part-time staff, tend to have longer response times, less medical oversight and personnel with lower levels of certification. These issues are exacerbated by inconsistent state and federal funding levels.
Read the full CDC analysis:
According to the findings, three states allocate more than $10 per capita for EMS services, while 24 states and the District of Columbia provide less than $0.50 per person, or did not respond to the funding survey. Federal funding also varied significantly, with 29 states receiving less than $0.10 per capita in support. This inconsistency has led to wide differences in service quality, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Race and gender disparities were also highlighted. Women and minorities are less likely to receive accurate stroke diagnoses or timely pain management. Women experiencing chest pain or cardiac arrest often face longer response times and are less likely to receive recommended care. Similarly, Black, Hispanic and Asian patients are less likely to receive pain treatment compared to their white counterparts.
The report underscores the need for more uniform EMS funding and better data collection to address these disparities, while also advocating for greater recognition of EMS as a critical component of public health infrastructure.
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