A new study has revealed the states with the quickest average EMS response time in the U.S. Personal injury lawyers at Omega Law Group collected EMS response times data for accidents resulting in at least one death across every state in the U.S. from 2018 to 2022.
After cleaning and analyzing this data, experts ranked the states based on their average EMS response times and compiled the total number of accidents and deaths during this period. Rhode Island had the quickest average EMS response time on the list: 6.21 minutes. Florida rounds out the list in tenth place, with an average EMS response time of 8.47 minutes—that’s only 2.26 minutes slower than Rhode Island.
“Rhode Island’s top-ranking 6.21-minute response time may be attributed to its status as the smallest state, which likely reduces the geographical distance EMS providers need to cover,” a spokesperson for Omega Law Group said. “Additionally, its relatively small population could alleviate strain on emergency services, ensuring quicker response times overall.”
The states with the longest average EMS response times are spread across the country but share a common challenge: vast, rural areas.
“Wyoming and Alaska, with their sparsely populated landscapes, face unique challenges in providing timely emergency care. Even populous California struggles with long response times.
“Long EMS response times pose significant risks for accident victims. Delayed medical care can aggravate injuries and reduce survival rates, potentially leading to severe damages and complex legal issues.
“These figures highlight the need for improved emergency response infrastructure, resources, and innovative solutions in these states.”
Massachusetts secures second place with an average time of 6.34 minutes, only 13 seconds less than the first spot.
Nevada takes the third spot on the list, with an average EMS response time of 6.44 minutes.
Fourth place goes to Connecticut, a state with an average EMS response time of 7.09 minutes.
Delaware is the fifth quickest on the list, with a 7.26-minute average response time.
Colorado lands in sixth place with an average EMS response time of 7.44 minutes, 1.23 minute longer than the top spot.
In seventh place is New Jersey, with 7.83 minutes of average response time for EMS.
Michigan takes the eighth spot, with EMS response time averaging 8.26 minutes.
The ninth spot goes to Illinois, with an average of 8.33 minutes of EMS response time.
On the other hand, California has the longest average EMS response time: 17.85 minutes. It’s followed by Wyoming, with an average response time of 17.54 minutes, and North Dakota, with 14.36 minutes.
Interestingly, six of the top ten states with the longest average EMS response times are located in the country’s western side.
Methodology
EMS response times for accidents involving at least one fatality were collected across all U.S. states from 2018 to 2022. After processing and analyzing the data, states were ranked based on their average EMS response times. Additionally, the total number of accidents and fatalities during this period was compiled.
