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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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.