Unfortunately, medical emergencies don’t come planned. A person driving on the streets can get hit by a bus anytime. Similarly, an older person might have an unexpected heart attack while resting at home. In these emergencies, one can’t search for the patient’s relatives to inform them; instead, they dial 911 – emergency hotline. Emergency medical services (EMS) offer much more than a ride to the hospital. It provides immediate medical care to people in need – accident victims, people suffering from a medical condition, etc.
With rising innovations in health care, medical science and technology, public health experts are rooting for high-performing EMS systems. It ensures clinical excellence and service quality, improving people’s well-being. Similarly, health professionals are trying to improve ambulance services for the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions – heart failure, stroke, etc. Therefore, if you are a part of the health industry or believe in making a difference, learn to keep up with EMS.
Are you wondering how? Here we are bringing some tips to update yourself with the latest and greatest innovations in EMS.
1. Learn Continuously
In this rapidly evolving world, learning has become inevitable. Technological innovations are changing how people operate by influencing their decisions and behaviors. Similarly, health care medical advancements are also reshaping EMS with more tech-savvy equipment and tools. The emergence of connected devices monitors health at home – heart rate, respiration, blood glucose, etc. If anything falls below the borderline, it automatically informs EMS.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand and familiarize yourself with these healthcare transformations. You can take up an online EMS course to learn about changing health protocols. It will make you competent while giving you the confidence to work in high-pressure situations. With a keen understanding of EMS systems, you can save lives and maintain high care standards for patients.
2. Advocate for Innovation and Research
Delving into research is an incredible way to foster an understanding of the Emergency Medical Services industry. It is not mandatory to participate in massive patient studies and big projects, but something minor could be equally useful. Perhaps, a series of cycle testing or on-going research on EMS. This will give you an insight into what researchers want to innovate in this field. For instance, if health experts are trying to perform medical procedures in ambulances, understand how.
They might think of restructuring the ambulances with modern equipment. Likewise, they can also consider bringing clinicians onboard. After all, many people lose their lives on their way to the hospital. All these upcoming changes will help you prepare for it in advance, ensuring optimal patient care. Moreover, take a dig at reporting tools that support EMS’s safety culture to equip yourself with the latest safety protocols.
Related: Embracing an eHealth System: What it Entails and Why You Should Consider the Switch
3. Read and Listen to News Everyday
When we talk about EMS, there are no hard and fast rules. Every healthcare treatment and medical response is solely dependent on the situation. After all, what works for one patient might not treat another person due to significant individual differences. Thus, you have to tailor responses, and this is not something you can learn from books. It comes with experience and knowledge – newspapers, articles, video tutorials, etc. In addition, since we have unprecedented access to emergency medical information, take advantage of it in all forms.
If you are new in this EMS world, watch instructional videos online to learn about fundamental procedures such as CPR. Otherwise, follow up advanced videos where you can get the knack of new tips and tricks. Alongside this, read up on peer-reviewed journal articles because you always learn from other’s experiences. Lastly, listen to podcasts and participate in health campaigns.
4. Explore an EMS Niche
Unsurprisingly, EMS is quite diverse, having various levels of services. If you want to keep up in this healthcare industry, an understanding of the Emergency Medical Services licensure is crucial. Have a look below.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): These people provide transportation and medical care for critical patients. They have all the fundamental knowledge and skills to handle medical equipment.
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): He/she initiates immediate lifesaving care to critical patients. They provide lifesaving interventions until there is assistance from higher-level personnel at the scene.
- Paramedic: These professionals possess technical knowledge and skills to provide a comprehensive medical response. They can use advanced equipment typically found in an ambulance to treat a patient.
If you are already a part of this health care industry or want to become one, update yourself with these levels. It can help you move up from EMT to AEMT as well.
5. Connect with the Community
Getting out in the community can help you understand things from a different perspective. Therefore, get in touch with your frequent EMS users. You can ask them about the emergency response time and how it has helped them in a challenging situation. Likewise, feel free to inquire about the improvements they would like to see in these services. Apart from this, foster relationships with other local care organizations such as; behavioral health and social services.
It would help in recognizing the setbacks and weak points in this system. In addition to participating in EMS, you can play a significant role in bridging the gaps. Feel free to collaborate with public health experts and work together for the betterment of this industry. Besides, your in-depth industry knowledge and expertise can also help you gain an edge over other candidates.
Related: Tips and Tricks to Smoothly Manage Pediatric Emergencies in Hospital
6. Delve into the Future of EMS
With rising health concerns, the framework of EMS is evolving. From expanding services, improving quality to bringing more paramedics onboard – health professionals are trying to cater to the sprouting demand. They are mainly focusing on three areas for future of EMS
- Public Access: Experts are trying to secure prompt and appropriate EMS care regardless of socioeconomic status or income. If anyone contacts Emergency Medical Services with an overwhelming condition, they will receive a subsequent response with optimal care.
- Faster Communication: In the coming years, the transfer of information will be super quick. It means people will have access to Emergency Medical Services within seconds.
- Clinical Care: Leverages technology in ambulances to deliver lifesaving care faster. Likewise, experts are trying to cater to individual needs by offering personalized care.
Understanding what the future holds will help you apprehend its expectations from health workers.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, EMS systems are crucial for the nation’s well-being. It is impossible to rely on friends and family members in an emergency since they are not always reachable. EMS is a reliable means of seeking medical help. They reach out to people in minutes with all the medical gear to assist. If you like helping people in need, explore this field. Stay up to date with the latest innovation to determine what opportunities it holds.
