Today’s emergency medical services (EMS) crews have more technology, equipment and life-saving techniques at their disposal than ever before, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Laura Landro. But new advancements may focus on using EMS to keep patients away from emergency departments.
Landro wrote about several important changes to EMS care that distinguish these services as “horizontal taxicabs.”
Some have already been implemented, like outfitting more ambulances with x-rays, ultrasound devices, lab testing equipment or technology allowing electrocardiograms to be transferred straight to emergency departments.
Other advancements in care delivery are still being tested, like allowing EMS crews to make preventive care house calls to treat elderly and recently discharged patients.
“We are a natural provider of care outside of hospitals and other institutions,” said Kevin McGinnis, the program manager for community paramedicine, mobile integrated health care and rural emergency care for the National Association of State EMS Officials. “The majority of calls that go through 911 are non-emergencies, and we can use EMS resources to address otherwise unaddressed health needs in communities.”
For more on when these theories could be put into widespread use, click on the link below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.