EMS providers help everyone in need. As knowledgeable and caring first responders, EMS providers offer equal care without regard to gender, age, race, or appearance. While this quality of care is the same for all, the protocol for treatment can vary for patients based on these same factors. A common factor that providers need to prepare for is the transport and care of the smallest and largest patients.

The 2017 National Survey on EMS Disaster and Major Casualty Incident (MCI) Preparedness issued by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) reveals most EMS responders have received training in disaster response and are practiced in incident response protocols.

It's estimated there are 6 million vehicle crashes annually in the U.S. with more than 37,000 deaths and 2.35 million vehicle occupants sustaining injuries. These statistics highlight the need for EMS personnel to be equipped to deal with any eventuality. A key factor related to patient recovery after serious injury is the requirement to observe the "Golden Hour," that is, to get the patient to a trauma center within one hour.

The first step in preventing EMT back injuries is understanding what causes them, specifically regarding patient care and transport.

The EMS profession is ever evolving. As technology provides new innovations in medical care and patient transport, service providers have begun adopting these changes. The 2016 EMS Trend Report identifies many current trends in emergency medical care, from the adoption of new practices to the continuation of tried and true formulas, as well as the cessation of old outdated ideas. The roles of administration and field emergency medical providers within the organization are changing as well, reflecting the changing needs of the public and our overall economic health.

As you are no doubt already aware, geriatric patients are making up an increasing portion of your EMS call. This is due to both age-related illness and an aging Baby Boomer population. A retrospective study of EMS transports to EDs in the state of NC in 2007 showed that patients aged 65 and older accounted for over 38% of all patient transports to the emergency department and is projected to increase to nearly 50% by 2030. It makes sense, then, that EMS providers understand the specialized needs for geriatric comfort.

Emergency responders are tasked with protecting the health and safety of the public. From the stabilization of the spine after a car accident, to providing supplemental oxygen after a house fire, to treating a slip and fall injury of the elderly, our first responders understand that health matters.

As the Chief or Assistant Chief of your particular Fire Station, you know the problems of maintaining a full complement of fire protection personnel. No matter whether they are employed or volunteer, keeping your fire fighting and EMS personnel competent, capable and ready to serve is likely a continuing challenge.

The moving and transport of trauma patients is never easy, especially if they're seriously injured, comatose or bariatric. It should go without saying that EMS and rescue personnel need to extricate and transport the injured patients without creating additional injury. An issue of great concern has been that of aggravating spinal injuries.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff are invested in the safe care and transport of patients. You need your teams to function effectively and knowledgeably, so you ensure they receive the education and hands-on training they need. But the bottom line is that your EMS professionals need to be healthy themselves – physically and emotionally – to operate with maximum efficiency.