High Performance EMS

JUNE 5, 2025

In the 1980’s, Jack Stout introduced the idea of Unit Hour Utilization (UHU) as “ the cost of doing business.” While he admitted “ there is no right or wrong way to measure UHU as long as you pick one that works for you ,” his focus was clearly on efficiently utilizing the resource of each fully equipped ambulance.

UHU 100

UHU Ambulance Unit Hour EMS 100

High Performance EMS

MARCH 18, 2021

EMS agencies typically target a UHU of between 0.30 While some agencies incorporate all drive-times (including non-emergency post moves) into the busy ratio of UHU, it is a unique measurable contribution that deserves a separate indication. with a focus toward lowering the effective ratio to decrease crew fatigue.

UHU 130

UHU EMS Ambulance Unit Hour 130

High Performance EMS

DECEMBER 27, 2023

Again, Jack Stout recommended modeling each hour of each day for a total of 168 unique timeframes of the week. Part of his justification is the average busy time of a unit being about an hour and to simplify the calculation of a Unit Hour Utilization (UHU).

UHU 130

UHU BLS Unit Hour Emergency Medical Services 130