Serbia will now have ambulance services like Denmark

New GPS-enabled ambulances and helicopters, more qualified technicians, ambulance drivers, and doctors- All of these changes will be a part of the previously announced reorganization of Serbia's Emergency Medical Service, which assumes Serbia will follow the Denmark model, which has proved itself to be one of Europe's most efficient.

The aim is to reach the patient’s destination as soon as possible, regardless of his or her location in Serbia. Patients in life-threatening situations will get the best benefit from such an ER service. According to Euronews, the concept has already been developed as part of a "Plan for Optimizing the Network of Health Institutions" project, which is being carried out in collaboration with the World Bank.

The country will be divided into seven emergency rooms, each of which will contain its own triage facility. The ambulances will be outfitted with GPS systems, allowing the operator to determine the ambulance which is nearest to the patient who is in need thus directing teams efficiently.

Is it true that an ambulance can reach any destination in Serbia in under 8 minutes? "Aid will be given, and every patient, regardless of location, will get treatment in an hour," according to Euronews.

This is particularly important for heart patients, who must receive medical attention within an hour of dialling 911.

Furthermore, each local medical unit in areas with a population of 25,000 or more is obligated to have a 24-hour emergency room service. Many of these towns, though not all, have such emergency services.

The plan also calls for the establishment of single phone contact for all medical emergency services – 112, as well as the implementation of the same provision of well-equipped emergency rooms at all places. Patients of smaller places like Bor will receive the same high-quality care as those in larger cities like Belgrade or Ni.