Trending Topics

10 breakthroughs that forever changed EMS

This special coverage series highlights the products, technologies and innovations that have most impacted patient assessment and care; as well as the safety, knowledge and professionalism of EMS providers, in the past 25 years. Mike Rubin, paramedic, EMS1 columnist, takes a personal and lighthearted approach to describe the impact of each product and innovation on his own EMS career, as well as the current EMS workforce.

Researchers suggest early recruitment efforts to improve the lack of diversity in EMS, which has cultural divide, communication implications
Mobile phones changed day-to-day EMS operations more than any medical device or innovation
I soon discovered that although learning about 12-leads wasn’t hard, doing them prehospitally could be
Checking blood sugar levels in the field has become routine
SpO2, formerly a nice-to-have metric, has become the sixth vital sign
Today’s hi-tech stretchers accommodate obstacles, eliminate manual lifting and save unnecessary wear and tear on EMS providers’ knees and backs
Convenience, cost and the flexibility of self-directed learning continue to propel online learning initiatives in EMS
2003 AHA guidelines noted IOs provide a favorable alternative to traditional IV techniques for fluid and medication administration
Hospitals with enhanced capabilities to treat trauma, cardiac care, pediatrics, burns and more are providing specialized care and changing transport algorithms
ePCRs allow virtually limitless information extraction through automated data storage and retrieval
The advent of these specialty devices provided protection against unintended needle sticks, one of EMS providers’ greatest risks