Time series analysis is a branch of mathematical statistics
that provides methods for using past observations collected
at regular intervals to make quantitative predictions about
future events. These techniques have been used widely in the
physical sciences, by demographers, and in economics and
business, but have only recently been used in health care. 1-5
Improved forecasting of run volume for an ambulance
service might allow for more precise scheduling of staff and
more advantageous apportionment of equipment and other
resources.