| dc.description.abstract | Road fatalities represent a significant global challenge, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate burden despite having fewer vehicles. The Norway's success in reducing road fatalities over the past two decades was investigated and the potential association between the characteristics of its emergency medical services and the declining fatality rate was explored. Online interviews were conducted with a road administration expert and a panel of five medical experts using a nominal focus group method. Thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts, and the elicited factors were ranked by the experts. The analysis underscored the complexity of road safety dynamics and the need for comprehensive strategies to understand the multitude of factors contributing to the reduction in road deaths. Two main themes emerged (Accident Prevention and Emergency Medical Services) which encompassed various strategies and actions aimed at promoting road safety and improving medical care. Several contributing factors were identified, including the adoption of Vision Zero as a guiding principle, evidence-based measures and collaboration, speed management, infrastructure improvements, road user behavior, improved medical care, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Both groups of experts prioritized non-medical factors among the top five positions, suggesting that medical care did not rank among the most significant factors. However, the results indicated that medical factors related to the Norwegian Emergency Medical Services influenced the survival rates, with no discernible impact of regional divisions within the system. Other countries can learn from Norway's comprehensive approach to road safety. Continued research and data analysis are necessary to quantitatively assess the impact of EMS and identify areas for further improvement. | |