Education and Training of Emergency Medical Teams: Recommendations for a Global Operational Learning Framework

Conclusions Multiple attempts to standardise the education and training of disaster and emergency responders have been made; these focused mainly on an individual’s professional development rather than improved team operational performance. No agreed overarching framework currently guides EMTs through the principles of training or recommends suitable training methodologies. Since a systematic approach is needed, this report suggests a three-step operational learning framework for EMTs that could be implemented by EMT organizations globally. In addition, the importance of the training modalities used is highlighted; including individual and theory based education but emphasising team and practical simulations as crucial to the operational nature of an EMT’s work. Further work is required to fully develop an agreed curriculum and open access training materials for EMTs. These training materials will also contribute to the development of N-EMTs, some of which may be offered to neighbouring countries as IEMTs. WHO, EMT organisations, universities, professional bodies and training agencies can all contribute to the development of professional and highly functioning teams, but should recognise that only a collective approach will improve EMT field performance and crucially, result in better care for the victims of large scale health emergencies. Competing Interests The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Data Availability Statement All relevant data are w...
Source: PLOS Currents Disasters - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Source Type: research