Ambulance location through optimization and simulation : the case of Milano urban area

In this paper, the problem of locating ambulance posts over an urban area is considered. A three steps approach is presented to deal with this problem, that combines different skills. First, the real life data on the considered system behavior are analyzed. Then, integer linear programming models are considered with the aim of finding new post locations. As such models represent a simplification and an abstraction with respect to the real life situation, the behavior of the proposed solutions is tested with a simulation framework, tailored on the considered problem features. The whole approach is tested over the Milano city area case, with the aim of pointing out the criticality of the system and providing suggestions for the emergency service management. Computational results are presented and discussed.