WIth a precision color guard and blaring of the traditional bagpipe, 2013’s EMS World Convention and Trade Show opened to a packed house in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Rather than showcasing new ideas, this year’s theme appeared to be focused on bringing proof-of-concept ideas into the mainstream.
Mobile integrated healthcare took center stage, in the form of a full-day summit. Once referred to as community paramedicine, it’s become evident that EMS providers are getting ready to provide the next evolution of field care – creating partnerships with other healthcare organizations and having more clear examples of the expanded role of the EMS provider. It’s true that many facets of these developments have been in play for years, but the summit represents a systems-level step in promoting change.
On the show floor, exhibitors were showing evolutionary products as well. An increasing number of operational level products in data tracking and analysis, billing, and other management areas were available for review. New vehicles with increasing numbers of safety features were also showcased.
For the fifth year, EMS podcasters from around the country pooled their talents and resources and interviewed experts from around the industry onsite. Podcasting and other digital media has become a commonplace way for those who were not able to attend to acquire new information and ideas. You can see a list of the podcasters at the Podcast Studio page.
2014’s EMS World will be held in Nashville, Tennessee in November 2014. I hope to see you there!
