The Effectiveness Of Red Crescent Prehospital Emergency Interventions In Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review Of Response Times, Patient Outcomes, And Service Quality”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.3216Abstract
Background: Prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) are vital for reducing morbidity and mortality by ensuring timely interventions and safe transfer of patients. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) is the primary provider of EMS. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of its interventions, particularly regarding response times, patient outcomes, and service quality.
Aim: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SRCA prehospital interventions by synthesizing existing literature on response times, patient outcomes, and service quality.
Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Saudi Digital Library, and Google Scholar) will be searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025 in English and Arabic. Eligible studies will include those that report on SRCA ambulance services, focusing on at least one of the three outcome domains. Data extraction will cover study characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and quality measures. Risk of bias will be assessed using JBI, Cochrane, and CASP tools as appropriate. Narrative synthesis will be applied due to heterogeneity in study designs.
Expected Results: The review is expected to identify regional disparities in SRCA response times, with urban areas outperforming rural settings. Evidence is anticipated to show that advanced life support interventions improve patient survival and recovery, but inconsistencies in workforce training may limit outcomes. Service quality will likely emerge as a mediating factor, with strengths in infrastructure development but weaknesses in standardization, cultural competence, and patient satisfaction.
Conclusion: By synthesizing available evidence, this review will provide insights into the strengths and challenges of SRCA prehospital care. Findings will inform policymakers, EMS administrators, and healthcare professionals, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance healthcare accessibility, quality, and efficiency.
