Impact of Military Conflict on Emergency Medical Services in Khartoum Province, Sudan
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Keywords
Emergency medical services (EMS), Sudan, Military conflict, Healthcare infrastructure, EMS models
Abstract
Background: Sudan has endured prolonged military conflicts, severely impacting its healthcare infrastructure. Emergency medical services (EMS), crucial for immediate medical response, have faced significant challenges because of the ongoing instability and resource constraints. Methods: A comprehensive evaluation was conducted across 25 EMS facilities in the Khartoum province of Sudan, which includes Khartoum, Bahri and Omdurman cities, with analysis of 22 responses. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires addressing theoretical frameworks from the Anglo-American and Franco-German EMS models to contextualize Sudan’s EMS structure. The study also incorporated assessing operational capacity, resource availability, and response efficacy. Results: Findings revealed critical vulnerabilities in Sudan’s EMS, such as resource shortages, inadequate training, and disrupted communication networks. Theoretical analysis highlighted structural and operational gaps, compared to the established EMS models. Additionally, sociopolitical and logistical barriers were identified as significant hindrances to effective emergency medical response. Conclusions: The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to strengthen Sudan’s EMS. Recommendations include enhancing resource allocation, improving training programs, and addressing sociopolitical barriers to ensure effective EMS during and after conflicts.
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