PURPOSETo explore the impact of subtropical maritime monsoon climate on the frequency of ambulance use for trauma patients in a coastal region in China.

METHODStatistical analysis of data on ambulance use from the 120 Emergency Command Center in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, from January to December 2012 as well as daily meteorological data from a Shantou observatory was performed to determine how climatic factors (seasons, time, and weather) affect the frequency of ambulance use for trauma patients.

RESULTSThe daily ambulance use for trauma patients differed between spring and summer or autumn (p<0.05), between sunny and rainy days (p<0.05), and between cloudy and lightly or moderately rainy days (p<0.05).We found a linear correlation between daily maximum temperature and daily ambulance use for trauma patients (R² =0.103, p<0.05). In addition, there was significant difference in ambulance use between good and bad weather (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONFrequency of ambulance use for trauma patients is affected by the subtropical maritime monsoon climate in the coastal region. Better weather contributes to increased daily frequency of ambulance use, which is the highest in autumn and lowest in spring.