Newton’s first law states, “An object in motion tends to stay in motion, while an object at rest tends to stay at rest.” Some physicists even theorize that by reducing acceleration, you will begin to slow down and, in short order, may reverse direction.
The field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) may arguably be the most dynamic of all the medical professions. EMS has seen more changes, since its birth in 1966, than almost any other medical discipline; from huge successes like 12 lead ECGs and ultrasound to some not-so-impressive ideas like MAST trousers or the McSwain Dart (Google it).
Keeping up with the latest technological innovations, treatment modalities, and emergency care concepts requires today’s EMS providers to continually move forward with their training, certifications, and new industry developments.
This is commonly referred to as “staying ahead of the curve.”
Staying ahead of the curve involves focusing on continuing education and professional development. Attending conferences like First There First Care EMS Conference, participating in online courses, and reading industry journals allows the provider to remain in motion with insight into the latest research and best practices.
Another important aspect of EMS education is keeping up with the latest innovations in equipment and technology. Advances in prehospital care, such as ultrasound and the use of clotting agents, allow us to provide lifesaving interventions not even imaginable 10 years ago. At the First There First Care trade show, attendees have the opportunity to meet with more than 75 exhibitors and learn, firsthand, about the latest innovations in prehospital technology. Through the newly added Experience Hall attendees can get up close and personal, in an intimate setting, with specific manufacturers, who are featuring groundbreaking technology.
Staying ahead of the curve also involves collaboration with other healthcare providers. Learning what other systems and agencies are doing provides broader insight into what is possible and what can be achieved. This is why First There First Care partners with the Gathering of Eagles (GOE). The GOE is well known for providing insight into the future of EMS and often identifies the pathways to achieving futuristic goals on a global scale.
By interfacing with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, EMS professionals can stay up to date on the latest treatment protocols and share knowledge and experiences. This helps improve patient outcomes and ensures everyone involved in emergency care works together to provide the best and most innovative care available.
Being adaptable and open to change is crucial for staying ahead of the curve with EMS education. EMS providers need to embrace new treatment protocols, learn how to use new equipment and integrate new technologies, and, through Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes, reevaluate traditional approaches to emergency care. By remaining flexible and open to new concepts, EMS providers can continue providing the highest quality care and ultimately better patients outcomes.
The pace of advancements in EMS can be overwhelming. Successful EMS providers must remain in motion and stay ahead of the curve with developments in EMS. This involves focusing on continuing education and professional development, keeping up with new equipment and technologies, collaborating with other healthcare providers, and being willing to adapt to new developments. There is great risk in not maintaining forward velocity. One can quickly slow down and potentially reverse direction. EMS continually moves forward.
If you don’t continue to move it, you will most certainly lose it.
