Statewide approach to emergency medical training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Background:

• The need for skilled emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is critical, especially in rural areas.
• Existing training models may not adequately address the demand for certified EMS personnel.
• Law enforcement officers require specialized training for immediate on-scene medical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the instructor/coordinator model for training EMTs in Kansas.
• To outline the training provided to EMTs, law enforcement, and advanced paramedics.
• To assess the statewide reach and impact of these EMS training initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a two-part, ten-day training program for EMT instructor/coordinators at the University of Kansas.
• Curriculum includes Department of Transportation (DOT) Dunlop course content, audiovisual aid utilization, and teaching/testing theory.
• Development and delivery of a 70-hour crash injury management course for law enforcement officers by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
• Advanced paramedic (emergency mobile intensive care technician) training through 600-1500 hour courses at the Kansas University Medical Center.

Main Results:

• 82 instructor/coordinators are established throughout Kansas, enabling decentralized EMT training.
• Law enforcement officers receive crucial crash injury management skills.
• 110 advanced paramedics have completed extensive training, increasing the capacity for critical care.

Conclusions:

• The instructor/coordinator approach effectively disseminates EMT training across Kansas.
• Comprehensive training for EMTs, law enforcement, and paramedics enhances the state's overall emergency medical response capabilities.
• This model supports a sustainable network of trained emergency responders.