The Perception of Emergency Medical Services by Passengers of Selected Routes in Nairobi Central Business District

Abstract

The objective of the study was to establish the perception of emergency medical services by passengers of selected routes in Nairobi Central Business District. The study used the descriptive research design. The population of interest was passengers of public service vehicles in Nairobi Central Business District. A random sample of 80 passengers of two bus companies along River road and Accra road was selected. Primary data was collected by use of a semi structured questionnaire with statements on a 5 point Likert scale. The questionnaires were self administered but the researcher waited for them to be filled thus improving response rate. Data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics including frequency tables, the mean, standard deviation and the Social Package for Social Sciences. The study revealed that passengers appreciate the role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a critical part of quality health care. The respondents felt that service delivery especially response time to emergencies and dedication of EMS staff was not good and needed to be improved. In view of these findings, companies offering EMS need to make excellent service delivery their point of focus in order to attract and retain clients. The government through the ministry of transport and health need to have a central agency coordinating ambulance services in collaboration with the police and fire services in case of emergencies as is the case in developed countries. The Ministry of Education may consider including first aid training and disaster preparedness as part of the school curriculum and curriculum of driving schools.