A stochastic model for simulation and forecasting of emergencies in the area of Milano

In this paper a method for estimating and forecasting the demand of ambulance service in the area of Milano is presented. We assume that time and location of an emergency service request are outcomes of a space-time marked point process. Thus we estimate the intensity of the process on the basis of the records of specific emergency call history over 3 years (2005-2007). The mean number of emergencies occurring daily is also related, via a linear regression model, to some exogenous variables, which can be measured and used for the forecasting procedure. Simulation results based on such estimates and real data observed during 2008 are presented.