Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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To determine whether a course in emergency medical services (EMS) impacts on the perceived ability of medical students to render care in emergencies such as choking and cardiac arrest, and affects their choice of emergency medicine as a career. ⋯ A course in EMS has significant impact on the perceived ability and career choice of medical students. Further study of an EMS curriculum design is needed to determine what information is critical to medical students' education and valuable in their career choice decisions.
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To determine whether EMS educational programs in North Carolina adequately prepare paramedics, and whether there is additional value to an associate of applied science (AAS) degree education in EMS when compared with traditional certificate training programs. ⋯ While administrators and paramedics believe the current EMS educational programs in North Carolina adequately prepare students to function as paramedics, there are identifiable areas that require additional emphasis. There appears to be additional value to an AAS education when compared with traditional certificate EMS educational programs.
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Comparative Study
The effectiveness of lights and siren use during ambulance transport by paramedics.
To determine whether lights and siren (L&S) use during transport in the authors' EMS system results in reduced transport time to the hospital. Second, to determine whether L&S use results in any emergency department critical interventions in the time saved. ⋯ Use of L&S significantly shortens transport time. In this series of patients transported under the care of a paramedic, the time saved by the use of L&S was not usually associated with immediately apparent clinical significance.
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Revolutionary changes in the health care system necessitate subsequent changes in emergency medical services (EMS). The development and dissemination of the EMS Agenda for the Future focus attention on awareness and attitudes of field providers. This study attempted to measure awareness of and agreement with concepts set forth in the agenda. ⋯ EMS providers' awareness, perspectives, and attitudes are essential to the forward progression of the EMS Agenda for the Future. Successful implementation of the agenda will depend on these professionals' participation and support. Providers tended to agree most with traditional concepts discussed in the EMS Agenda for the Future. Awareness levels and attitudes toward the vision suggest implications for future education, planning, and research activities.
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To determine the safety and efficacy of succinylcholine, as an adjunct to endotracheal intubation, administered by paramedics trained in its use. ⋯ Paramedics trained to use succinylcholine, to assist the process of endotracheal intubation, can safely intubate a high percentage of patients.