- The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) is embedded in each province's 112 emergency center.
- Every private ambulance case must be reported to the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) via the Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) the moment dispatch is confirmed (Article 17).
- The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) monitors all ambulances in real time through vehicle tracking and Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) data.
The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) — Sağlık Komuta Kontrol Merkezi — is the unit within each province's 112 emergency call center that coordinates all emergency health responses, including the activities of licensed private ambulance services. The 2025 Ambulance Regulation defines the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) in Article 4(r) and places it at the center of case management and ambulance oversight. [1]
Role of SKKM
In practice, the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) performs two main functions:
1. Coordination: When a private ambulance service accepts a call, it must immediately notify the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) through the Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS). The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) then opens the case in the system and can assign cases to available ambulance crews if needed (Article 16–17). [1]
2. Oversight: The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) monitors all licensed ambulances in real time via vehicle tracking systems. Any ambulance going out of service — due to breakdown, maintenance, or accident — must notify the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) immediately (Article 19).
How Private Ambulance Services Interact with SKKM
Licensed services like Nova Ambulans maintain continuous radio contact with the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) throughout every mission (Article 20). The workflow:
- Call received by the private service's call center
- Case opened in the Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) and the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) notified (Article 17/2)
- Ambulance crew departs; VHF/UHF radio activated
- Crew maintains Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) case record; hospital handover documented
- Completed case form submitted to the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) within 24 hours (Article 18)
Radio Communication Requirements
The regulation requires ambulances to use VHF or UHF band vehicle radios during missions. In Istanbul, services use the Shared Radio Service (OKTH) network, with frequencies registered through the Directorate. Radio must remain active from departure to mission completion (Article 20/4). [1]
SKKM and ASOS Integration
The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) and the Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) are two complementary structures:
| Feature | SKKM | ASOS |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Operational decisions and coordination | Digital records and reporting |
| Focus | Real-time dispatch | Data storage and analysis |
| Users | Operators and command staff | All stakeholders (services, auditors) |
| Scope | Province-level ambulance management | National-level data integration |
In this process, the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) applies its decisions on the basis of Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) data, while ASOS records the SKKM's dispatch, monitoring, and case-closure data. [1]
What SKKM Means for Citizens
Even though an ordinary citizen never deals with the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) directly, its existence provides several guarantees:
- Fast response: Your call is evaluated by a central system and the nearest available ambulance is sent to you.
- Coordinated service: All public and private ambulances are managed from a single center, minimizing wasted resources.
- Accountability: The ambulance service you receive is recorded. If a problem arises, it can be reviewed through the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) records.
- Consistent standards: Whether you receive public or private ambulance service, SKKM coordination applies the same standards to all services. [1]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SKKM the same as calling 112?
Not exactly. The 112 emergency call center is the first point of contact citizens reach by phone. The Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) is the specialized unit embedded within 112 that coordinates ambulance dispatch. [1][2] When you call 112 for a health-related incident, your call may be routed to the SKKM.
Are private ambulance services bound to SKKM?
Yes. Under the 2025 regulation, all private ambulance services must work in coordination with the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM). [1] Tracking dispatches, reporting service-status changes, and sharing case information are legal obligations.
Can SKKM dispatch a private ambulance?
Yes. Under Article 16, the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) can assign cases directly to private ambulance crews when necessary. [1]
Can SKKM track where my ambulance is?
Yes. Thanks to its Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) integration, the Health Command and Control Center (SKKM) can monitor the location of on-duty ambulances in real time. [1] This tracking is critical for dispatching the nearest ambulance and shortening response times.
What happens if an ambulance fails to notify SKKM?
Failure to comply with notification requirements constitutes a regulatory violation and can result in administrative fines or suspension of the ambulance's qualification certificate.
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This content is informational only and does not replace professional medical evaluation. In emergencies, call 112 or +90 216 339 00 39.