DELAY DYNAMICS: VARIABLES AFFECTING EMERGENCY RESPONDERS RESPONSE TIME IN VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE

The present study aimed to identify the factors influencing emergency response time to provide a set of actionable recommendation designed to directly improve response efficiency and reduce delays. The research utilized a descriptive design, relying on survey- based data collection from emergency responders, composed of personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Provincial Hospital. Additionally, community members residing in accident-prone areas were also surveyed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to describe and explore the differences in the perceptions of the respondents on the community involvement, infrastructure quality, and the operational challenges faced by emergency responders. Results revealed that while emergency responders frequently arrived at accident sited within seven to thirty minutes , this timeframe was generally perceived as insufficient for preventing the worsening of injuries, with both community members and emergency personnel indicating the need for improved response times. Contributing factors to these delays included weak communication infrastructure, limited accessibility in remote areas, and inadequate knowledge among the public on how to respond to respond or communicate effectively during emergencies. Moreover, the province's road network and infrastructure, although partially supportive, were found to hinder optimal routing and fast deployment due to limited alternate routes and maintenance issues. Despite some effective traffic management systems, delays were exacerbated by the lack of strategically located EMS stations and poor signal coverage in rural zones. Community participation emerged as a critical yet underutilized factor; although both groups agreed that community involvement could significantly reduce response time, there was a noted deficiency in public preparedness and training.