Overview of the Emergency Medical Services Market

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 86,146.29 million by 2031, up from US$ 51,856.00 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2031. Key drivers of this expansion include the increasing frequency of medical emergencies and enhanced government initiatives and investments in healthcare. Additionally, strategic moves by companies within the sector are expected to further stimulate market growth during the forecast period. However, a notable challenge remains the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals specializing in emergency care.

Understanding Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services encompass the urgent care and transportation of patients experiencing acute medical conditions. Often referred to as ambulatory services, EMS plays a vital role in providing immediate medical attention to individuals suffering from injuries or critical illnesses, including chronic diseases, strokes, cardiac arrests, and accidents. The rising elderly population, coupled with lifestyle changes and an increasing demand for healthcare, has amplified the necessity for effective and efficient EMS.

Impact of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet from 2021, CVDs accounted for approximately 17.9 million deaths in 2019, representing 32% of all global fatalities. A staggering over 85% of these deaths were attributed to heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, the World Stroke Organization (WSO) reported in its 2022 Global Stroke Fact Sheet that there are more than 12.2 million new stroke cases each year, leading to around 6.5 million deaths. Currently, over 110 million people worldwide have experienced a stroke, with more than 60% occurring in individuals under 70 years of age. Alarmingly, one in four individuals over 25 is expected to suffer a stroke in their lifetime. The burden of stroke is projected to increase significantly in Europe, with estimates indicating a 34% rise in cases from 2015 to 2035.

Need for Emergency Medical Interventions

The demand for prompt emergency medical interventions is escalating due to the rising prevalence of medical emergencies, particularly chronic diseases, cardiac arrests, and strokes. The European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021 reported an annual incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Europe ranging from 67 to 170 per 100,000 individuals. In the United States, the American Heart Association's Heart and Stroke Statistics - 2022 Update revealed that over 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually, with approximately 90% resulting in death. This underscores the critical need for EMS to deliver life-saving interventions swiftly to enhance survival rates.

Chronic Diseases and Emergency Department Visits

Chronic diseases are responsible for 41 million deaths globally each year, accounting for 74% of all deaths, as per the WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Factsheet 2023. A study published in September 2022 highlighted that older adults visiting emergency departments often have chronic conditions. Analyzing data from 2017 to 2019 in the U.S., it was found that there were 107.3 million emergency department visits annually, with 59.5% involving adults with at least one chronic disease. The most prevalent chronic conditions among these patients were heart disease and substance use disorders.

Market Analysis and Competitive Landscape

The comparative analysis of the EMS market categorizes it based on product offerings, recent developments, and geographical presence, aiding in informed decision-making and understanding the competitive landscape. The report delves into significant innovations and developments by leading vendors in the global EMS market, including key players such as RPM Holding, Lifestar Emergency Medical Services, ProTransport-1, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, AMR, and others.

Market Segmentation

The EMS market is segmented by product into Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Mortuary Services, Patient Transfer Services, and others. In 2024, the Basic Life Support segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share. By provider type, the market includes Fire-department-based EMS, Government EMS, Hospital-based EMS, Private Ambulance Services, and Other EMS Agencies, with Government EMS expected to dominate in 2024. In terms of application, the market is divided into cardiac care, trauma injuries, respiratory care, oncology, and others, with cardiac care projected to lead in market share.

Growth Strategies in the EMS Market

Companies in the EMS market employ various organic and inorganic strategies for growth. Organic strategies primarily involve product launches and approvals, while inorganic strategies include acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These strategies enable market players to expand their operations and enhance their geographic reach, contributing to overall market growth. Significant developments in the EMS sector include the introduction of new ambulance fleets and response vehicles, such as the recent contract signed by Nova Scotia to lease 146 new ambulances to improve emergency care and alleviate pressure on paramedics.