Evolution of Emergency Medical Service Systems in Thailand: A Systematic Review - วิวัฒนาการระบบบริการการแพทย์ฉุกเฉิน ในประเทศไทย: การทบทวนวรรณกรรมอย่างเป็นระบบ

Thai Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system was continuously developed during the past two decades. This study aimed to review the literatures related to the models of Emergency Medical Services and evolution of Emergency Medical Service system in Thailand. A systematic search of seven database generated 2,451 articles. Fifty articles met our criteria for inclusion in the final analysis. The finding reveals that Thai Emergency Medical Service was influenced by Anglo-American Model. The evolution of Thai Emergency Medical Service system were classified into 4 eras: (1) The pioneering era, before 1994, the practice of pre-hospital services were done by volunteer from the foundations; (2) The era of Trauma Care Model, between 1994-2004, Khon Kaen Trauma Center was initiated as the model for emergency patient in Regional Hospital; (3) The era of dissemination of Trauma Care Model, between 2000-2009, the exponential expansion of Trauma Care Model throughout Thailand; and (4) The era of post National Emergency Medical Service Act of 2009, after 2009. The Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand was established to be responsible for management and development of emergency service delivery with the aimed to protect the rights of emergency patients for equitable access to EMS services. Despite results indicating that Thai EMS system developed continuously and free of service charge but majority of emergency services remained concentrated in the North-Eastern part of Thailand. Data collected for analysis were limited to explain all components of the EMS system. Key words: Emergency Medical Service System, Evolution, Thailand, Trauma, Accident