EMS systems vary across the US. Some run one medic one EMT crews, some run double medic crews. There are even those that have 3-5 medics show up on a call. Beyond cost, many are gearing towards the one medic one EMT model and tout better patient care and provider proficiency. Take a listen to this lively discussion and leave your views below.
Podcast: Download
Show Notes:
Bob Sullivan of EMS Patient Perspective
Links to check out:
EMS World article on Austin-Travis TX staffing change
Check out these interesting articles on New Jersey as well.
http://www.jems.com/article/administration-and-leadership/specialized-ems-crews-jersey-city-improv
http://www.jems.com/article/administration-and-leadership/jersey-city-nj-obtains-five-national-rec
Update – 3/2/12
A few more links sent over by Tim.
Effect of crew size on objective measures of resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Martin-Gill C, Guyette FX, Rittenberger JC.
Prehosp Emerg Care. 2010 Apr 6;14(2):229-34.
PMID: 20128704 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
The association between emergency medical services staffing patterns and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival.
Eschmann NM, Pirrallo RG, Aufderheide TP, Lerner EB.
Prehosp Emerg Care. 2010 Jan-Mar;14(1):71-7.
PMID: 19947870 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
How EMS is perceived is important for many reasons. Some of this perception can be controlled by what you do or how active your agency is in it’s community. The media can also have a part in this as well and many times it is more negative than we would like. Take a listen to the discussion on the medias role in how EMS is perceived. What can we do better? Is there anything we can change or control? Post your opinion below.
The salty dog, the medic everyone calls Doc. What does it take to have longevity in EMS? What changes for that provider who has ten, twenty or more years in the industry? EMS professionals who keep doing the job year after year have a vested interest in the future of the industry. At least they should have. Have you been in EMS for over 10 years? What keeps you going, what are your hopes and do you try and pass your experience and goals to the younger generation? Take a listen and be sure to share your thoughts, goals and how you have seen EMS change over the years in the comments below.
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