EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Historical

            Recognition for improvements in the quality of pre-hospital care has been growing since the 1960’s.  Crusades led by concerned physicians, nurses, ambulance service providers, health care providers and administrators, elected officials, and private citizens led the way to many of these improvements.  The movement was supported by well documented statements reflecting a dismal state of affairs.  Patients were being twice victimized, once by the fate of the situation and again by failure to receive adequate care at the scene. 

            These concerned individuals have been instrumental in the development of a rapidly growing new health care profession.  Since its conception in the early 1970’s, Kansas has been a leader in the development of this profession.  An enormous amount of energy has been spent in the past decades developing and strengthening this program. This program has seen vast improvements in the delivery of emergency care and the recognition of EMS as a bonafide member of the health care team.  Excellent training programs nationwide have been developed and strong emphasis placed on continuing education.  National standards have been established, and ambulance design and equipment essentials have been introduced.  Recognition has been given to the vital areas of medical control; professional organizations have been established and the public has been made aware of Emergency Medical Services through these organizations. 

            Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has also affected in-house education.  The physicians, nurses and allied health professionals have been “tuned-in” to the “pre-hospital” phase of EMT skills.  National studies have been introduced that show a direct relationship between improved pre-hospital care and a reduction in patient morbidity and mortality. As well as general acceptance being accomplished, a redefinition of “turf” has occurred.  The continuing growth of mutual respect between the professions presents a integrated team approach to patient care.

            As the vocation of the EMT evolved, professional needs became evident.  Standardization in training has become not just a desirable requisite, but in fact a necessity.  If EMS was to become a valuable system, the need existed to have an administrative body oversee the training program state wide.  Initially, both a training and certification/licensure agency, the Emergency Medical Training Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center evolved to perform this function.

             The responsibility for approving and overseeing initial training in Emergency Medical Care has been designated to the Board of EMS by the Kansas Legislature (KSA 65-2639).  In addition, BEMS has also been given the authority for technician certification and ambulance service licensures.

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