This retrospective study assessed the operation of an ambulance service set up for pregnant women needing transportation to EmOC healthcare facilities in a rural area of Ethiopia between 1 July and 31 December 2013.
The service was available 24 hours a day and was free of charge. The majority (59.5%) of the women who requested to use it were taken to peripheral EmOC facilities for obstetric care without complications. Those with obstetric complications were transported from the EmOC facilities to the nearest hospital.
A total of 528 ambulance trips were provided over the six-month period, and no deaths were recorded among the women using the service.