Every day, MARVLIS delivers measurable operational efficiencies for a multitude of agencies across the nation. By decreasing response times to
improve their 90th percentile, reducing the use of lights and sirens to enhance safety, and ensuring resources are in the right place at the right
time, MARVLIS supports improved patient outcomes. Still, the service of EMS continues to evolve in response to growing economic and
operational challenges. It is no longer enough – or even possible in many cases – to simply make responses faster. The key to progressing
service toward the patient-centric goal of the EMS Agenda 2050 is found in better utilizing the resources that are available to ensure the
“most appropriate responses,” not simply focusing on delivering shorter times.
improve their 90th percentile, reducing the use of lights and sirens to enhance safety, and ensuring resources are in the right place at the right
time, MARVLIS supports improved patient outcomes. Still, the service of EMS continues to evolve in response to growing economic and
operational challenges. It is no longer enough – or even possible in many cases – to simply make responses faster. The key to progressing
service toward the patient-centric goal of the EMS Agenda 2050 is found in better utilizing the resources that are available to ensure the
“most appropriate responses,” not simply focusing on delivering shorter times.
Changing Strategies
There are a host of drivers changing the fundamentals of Emergency Medical Services. It is the only branch of public safety that is not universally recognized as being “essential.” And even in many instances where EMS has the official designation, it is still not always fully funded. Since the pandemic there has been a significant decrease in the medical workforce, particularly paramedics working in the field. While recruitment and retention remain top initiatives, it is difficult to increase the actual number of ambulances on the street. Higher demand from a population with less access to routine healthcare also expands the disparity in call acuity. Estimates show that typically less than 20% of requests-for-service today, include factors that demand Advanced Life Support. A common strategy resulting from this dynamic is the “tiered system.” In some jurisdictions, contracts are being redefined with intentionally longer, clinically appropriate, service times based on specific determinant codes. Following the traditional Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) software standard of simply sending the closest unit is no longer a meaningful strategy.
Keep scrolling to learn how to Dispatch and Deploy Better.
Dispatch Better
MARVLIS enhances your existing CAD system with intelligent, real-time decision support. Its configurable decision engines evaluate
more than just distance—they account for live traffic, unit capabilities, call priority, and your agency’s unique operational rules.
This means dispatch decisions are no longer about who's closest, but who is most appropriate.
more than just distance—they account for live traffic, unit capabilities, call priority, and your agency’s unique operational rules.
This means dispatch decisions are no longer about who's closest, but who is most appropriate.
Graphic example of calculating the most appropriate response to a mid-acuity request during a real time evaluation of options.
MARVLIS enhances assignment logic with innovative, real-time parameters designed to deliver the right response at the right time—where it can truly impact outcomes. Its intelligent recommendations remain consistent across shifts and personnel, regardless of who is making decisions or how hectic it may be in the moment. Crucially, MARVLIS also accounts for future system readiness, helping to avoid overcommitting resources when the “ideal” option isn't practical, ensuring long-term effectiveness—not just immediate response.
To be effective in using resources that improve all patient outcomes, agencies must be proactive in doing dispatch better!
To be effective in using resources that improve all patient outcomes, agencies must be proactive in doing dispatch better!
Deploy Better
Response effectiveness begins before a call is even received. Strategic unit placement ensures resources are available where and when they’re needed. While some agencies still rely on fixed-base posting, others adopt dynamic “street corner” positioning based on real-time demand. Most effective strategies lie somewhere between these extremes. As Jack Stout, father of System Status Management, put it in 1983: “Your plan may be simple and stupid; complex and stupid; simple, yet effective; or possibly even complex and more effective.” In other words, effectiveness—not complexity—is what matters. Today’s deployment planning involves more variables than ever, including:
MARVLIS helps agencies model these realities, generate optimal posting plans, and guide unit moves in real time based on current system status and executive priorities.
- Time-sensitive post availability considering access or safety issues,
- Location-based chute times and dynamic travel impedances,
- Minimizing disruptive post moves for crew satisfaction,
- Reserve the comfort of stations for high service levels
- Leverage dynamic posts when lower levels demand more responsiveness
- Subzone coverage to meet contractual expectations,
- Real-time changes in demand versus geographic coverage priorities.
MARVLIS helps agencies model these realities, generate optimal posting plans, and guide unit moves in real time based on current system status and executive priorities.
Screenshot of the telecommunicator interface that estimates the likely location of calls in the immediate future highlighting the current effective capability to cover that demand in real time.
While core similarities exist between different agencies, local conditions require user-configurable solutions that are delivered on-demand. To be effective in strategically positioning resources that address the outcomes of your constituents and maintain resources as the service level decreases, agencies must be proactive in doing deployment better!
Know Better
High-performing EMS systems are driven by data—but proving performance is just as critical as achieving it.
MARVLIS delivers a comprehensive reporting platform through its web-based dashboard, offering actionable insights including:
MARVLIS delivers a comprehensive reporting platform through its web-based dashboard, offering actionable insights including:
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Sample report highlighting number of post recommendations to the number of units posted according to the plan with a running total of actual forecast demand covered.
No Better.
With over 25 years of experience, MARVLIS combines the power of Esri GIS technology with real-world EMS expertise to deliver proven, high-performance solutions.
There is no better tool to help agencies dispatch smarter, deploy wiser, and demonstrate success.
MARVLIS stands alone—so you never stand alone.
There is no better tool to help agencies dispatch smarter, deploy wiser, and demonstrate success.
MARVLIS stands alone—so you never stand alone.
For more information, please contact our sales team:
