Expanding the scope of practice of EMS providers to include public health roles

Introduction

Modern emergency medical services (EMS) systems have been designed to deliver health care on critical health problems outside the hospital. EMS providers, such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics see themselves as providing emergency medical care only for a short period of time at the scene and during patient transport in ambulances. These types of services, however, are often times the first hand witnesses of certain public health problems and they can play influential roles to reduce the health risks of the populations they serve.

Recommendations

EMS systems have been dependable and traceable data collectors. With smaller health care provider to patient ratio, EMS providers can reach specific patient information. Health problems such as diabetes, asthma and cardiac diseases require close attention and great deal of care to prevent deadly attacks. EMS providers can assist those populations by providing on the spot education and referring to further care as needed. EMS providers can also assist in administering immunizations, checking health conditions such as blood pressure and diabetes in communities under risk.

Child and elderly abuse could be seen in any community and EMS providers can detect certain signs while performing care. EMS providers can observe certain patterns and alert public health officials to take action.

Injury prevention education provides ample opportunities for EMS providers to take part in community health improvement. EMS providers can coordinate efforts with the public health officials to create public education models to teach vulnerable populations on topics such as injury prevention and chronic disease management.

Conclusion

EMS systems have the capability to expand their scope of practice into public health issues. EMS providers can be trained to provide valuable services in disease surveillance, public education and heath promotion. This would also help to reduce emergency department visits and health care costs.