Emerging Technologies in EMS: Help or Hindrance?

We've seen some remarkable changes in the way EMS is provided around the country since its inception more than 50 years ago. We've gone from rudimentary first aid skills and rushing every patient to the hospital, to an expanded scope of practice that includes numerous treatment modalities and drugs, coupled with triaged response and selective, cautious transport. But we haven't always relied on science and evidence to make our decisions about new devices or protocols. Until recently, we've demonstrated a propensity to grab on to the latest gizmo or newest treatment fad based solely on assumptions. That's changing. Rapid Response Medical research now tells us that few 9–1–1 calls require a rapid response with emergency lights and siren, and even fewer need quick transport to a hospital. For cases that do, time is as critical a factor to the patient's outcome as receiving the correct treatment and definitive care at the appropriate hospital. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), stroke and severe trauma patients do far better with proper treatment in the field and rapid transport to a hospital that's prepared to care for them. In many cases time isn't the issue, at least as it relates to the patient and the resolution of their medical problem. We can take our time to care for the patient, assess them, treat them and determine their best option for disposition. Having advanced technology that improves our assessment and our treatment would seem helpful. Ultrasound devi...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Columns Patient Care Source Type: news