Emergency Medical Services Overview

Evidence-Based Techniques

• Techniques supported by scientific evidence for safety and efficacy.
• Emphasis on practices over tradition and supposition.

Medical Direction

• Oversight of EMS patient care by a Medical Director.
• Can include off-line (standing orders) or on-line (real-time communication) direction.

Medical Director

• Physician responsible for the patient-care aspects within the EMS system.

911 System

• A system for reporting emergencies via telephone.
• Dispatchers coordinate response, alerting necessary services such as EMS, fire, or police.

Off-Line Medical Direction

• Standing orders from the Medical Director for EMTs to administer certain medications or procedures without immediate consultation.

On-Line Medical Direction

• Direct orders communicated to EMTs in the field through radio or telephone by an on-duty physician.

Patient Outcomes

• Focused on the long-term survival and health status of patients after receiving care.

Peer Reviewed

• Research submitted to professional journals and evaluated by experts in the field for validity and reliability.

Protocols

• Step-by-step procedures for assessments and interventions in various emergency situations.

Quality Improvement

• Ongoing self-review process aimed at identifying and rectifying areas needing improvement within the EMS system.

Standing Orders

• Policies issued by a Medical Director allowing EMTs to perform specific skills under defined conditions.

NHTSA Technical Assistance Program Standards

• Cover regulations and policy, resource management, human resources and training, transportation, facilities, communications, public education, medical directions, trauma systems, and evaluation.

Levels of EMS Training

• EMR (Emergency Medical Responder)
• EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
• AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician)
• Paramedic

Specialty Centers in Hospitals

• Trauma Centers
• Burn Centers
• Pediatric Centers
• Cardiac Centers
• Stroke Centers

Components of the EMS System

• Initiates with the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) receiving a 911 call.
• EMS sends responders to the site, transports patients to the hospital, and ensures continuity of care in the emergency department.

Important Training for EMDs

• Training should include CPR, artificial ventilation, and bleeding control for effective emergency response.

Roles and Responsibilities of EMTs

• Preparation for emergencies.
• Ensure safe scene response and transportation.
• Transition care to hospital personnel.

Specific Areas of Responsibility for EMTs

• Personal safety and teamwork with public safety professionals.
• Patient care, lifting and moving patients, transport, transfer of care, and advocacy.

Good Physical Traits for EMTs

• Physical fitness, good eyesight, color vision, and strong listening and communication skills are essential.