EMS: The Intersection of Public Safety, Public Health, and Health Care Systems
- Lazette Lawton, MS, CHES, Public Health Educator, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, CDC (moderator)
- Mary Hedges, Executive Director, Minnesota Emergency Services Regulatory Board
- Mark Schoeberl, Vice President, State Advocacy and Public Health, American Heart Association
Objective/Supporting Skills and Knowledge
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Gain greater insights and understanding of local EMS systems and the various organizational structures that exist
- Identify the regulatory and administrative oversight of EMS systems and providers at the state and local level, including medical supervision
- Recognize the influence that federal policy, government agencies and national organizations have on EMS systems, personnel and regulatory bodies
- Explore current issues, controversies and opportunities that exist within EMS generally, and the treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke specifically
- Describe the current and potential role(s) for the CVH program with EMS and EMS with CVH initiatives
Summary
This session will focus on the Nation’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system and the vital role it plays in providing essential services and lifesaving treatment for those suffering an acute heart attack or stroke. As cardiovascular health staff and collaborators, we have a shared responsibility to work with EMS systems at the state and local level to promote and ensure a high quality of care and strong “chain of survival” for acute cardiovascular-related conditions. We will concentrate on assisting participants in meeting this responsibility by increasing their understanding and appreciation of EMS and the issues they confront in efforts to improve systems of care for heart disease and stroke.
Resources
- National Association of State EMS Directors Website – NASEMSD is the lead national organization for EMS, a respected voice for national EMS policy with comprehensive concern and commitment for the development of effective, integrated, community-based, universal and consistent EMS systems http://www.nasemsd.org/
Session Materials
