Meh, too many variables to state for both. Yes, we're bring much more advanced care to our patients, and are able to start ER treatment at the bedside, but sometimes speed does play a factor.
I work in a rural system, 5 ambulances cover 900sq. mi. Excluding the minor clinics that are open during business hours, a Paramedic is the highest medical person you'll see.
Now I won't mention how fast we were going, but last night alone we had a call for domestic violence w/ stabbing out in the county. We drove L/S for 20 minutes on the highway just to get to our exit. We ended up getting passed by a LEO going EASILY 120mph, and he was first on scene. Yes, first on scene after more than 25 minutes of code driving.
God forbid we get called to something more serious like an allergic reaction, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest. We might as well not even head to cardiac arrest if we're going to limit speed / LS response. This doesn't even include driving a time sensitive patient, such as a stroke, to the closest stroke facility 1hr away when we can't get the helicopter.
Now, yes, in an urban setting there is less reason to drive fast to the hospital. But you will never convince me we need to get rid of LS response to calls, for the simple reason of those true time sensitive emergencies. Rare in the grand scheme? Sure, but not that rare.
Heck, let's just say the average stop light is 30 seconds, and an ambulance has to wait 4 of them. That's 2 minutes, at MINIMUM, that an ambulance will be delayed to a cardiac arrest. Goodbye any progress we've made in resuscitation.
Limit LS usage Id be inclined to agree with, but NEVER get completely rid of it.
, but it was in place in our region, when I drove an ambulance.