Historically redlined communities face slower emergency medical services (EMS) response times, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals. Redlining, a discriminatory practice where mortgages were systematically denied to Black and Hispanic residents, has had lasting impacts on these neighborhoods.
Researchers examined the locations of EMS centers in 236 cities and compared them to maps created in the 1930s by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, which designated majority-Black areas as “hazardous” for lending. This historical practice has led to disparities in EMS response times, with over 2.2 million people lacking rapid access to emergency medical services.
The study found that neighborhoods graded as “hazardous” for lending had a significantly higher proportion of residents without rapid EMS access, particularly in the Great Lakes region. These disparities are part of a larger issue of structural racism affecting health outcomes in redlined communities.
Studies have shown that redlined neighborhoods experience lower life expectancy, higher exposure to air pollution, and other health disparities. The lack of EMS stations in urban communities of color further exacerbates these issues.
Addressing these disparities in EMS response times is crucial, as delays in emergency care can lead to higher mortality rates. Timely care, especially within the critical “golden hour” after an injury, is essential for saving lives.
Further research is needed to better understand and address these disparities in emergency response times. By improving tracking and accountability of EMS services in communities, we can work towards ensuring equitable access to life-saving medical care for all residents.
The study underscores the importance of addressing systemic racism in healthcare and the need for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes in historically marginalized communities. By implementing policies that prioritize equity and access to healthcare services, we can work towards a more just and inclusive healthcare system for all.
