Emergency Medical Services in Hospitals: Bridging Acute Response and Comprehensive Care – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) within hospitals represent a critical interface between acute response and comprehensive patient care. While pre-hospital EMS is well studied, hospital-based emergency medical systems are equally important in ensuring continuity of care, rapid triage, and life-saving interventions. This systematic review explores the roles, effectiveness, and challenges of EMS in hospitals, focusing on their impact on patient outcomes, quality of care, and system efficiency. The study synthesizes evidence from 2016–2024, identifying thematic areas such as integration of pre-hospital and hospital-based EMS, quality and safety protocols, technological innovations, and workforce challenges. Findings highlight the crucial role of EMS departments in reducing morbidity and mortality, enhancing preparedness for mass-casualty events, and serving as a bridge between emergency response and specialized hospital care. A conceptual framework is proposed to illustrate the integration of EMS within hospital systems. Future research should emphasize digital health applications, interdepartmental collaboration, and patient-centered emergency pathways to further strengthen hospital-based EMS