Program Overview

University of Maryland School of Medicine EMS Elective

The University of Maryland School of Medicine's EMS elective is a broad-based and in-depth immersion into the practice of out-of-hospital medicine. Paired with a core emergency medicine faculty member, medical students will rotate through various components of prehospital medicine.

Module 1: Introduction to EMS and Hospital Emergency Planning / Disaster Preparedness

Students will work with residents, staff, and faculty to examine emergency preparedness strategies. Collaborate with emergency medicine residents and emergency planners on disaster planning and the mitigation of an anticipated "patient surge." Readings relevant to emergency management include:

• Online FEMA sponsored courses on Introduction to Incident Command System and National Incident Management System
• Mass casualty triage and response
• Readings in Emergency Medical Services: Clinical Practice and Systems Oversight
• Narrated powerpoint: Introduction to EMS Clinicians and Levels of Service

Module 2: Emergency Medical Services Training (BCFD and EMS education)

Students collaborate with emergency services instructors on EMS specific educational projects. Observe and practice emergency patient care skills such as intravenous access and airway management. Participate in lectures / in-service trainings to EMS personnel. Students will also create a 30-minute powerpoint presentation on a topic relevant to EMS practice.

Module 3: Quality Assurance (BCFD), Emergency Medical Services Administration, and EMS Research

Discuss key aspects of EMS quality assurance and reporting. Obtain follow-up data on cardiac arrest survivors. Attend regularly scheduled meetings of the protocol review committee, Maryland EMS Systems Research Interest Group, and the University of Maryland Medical Center's STEMI Committee.

Module 4: Operational (patient care) Emergency Medical Services

The EMS elective is currently affiliated with several clinical sites. Depending upon interest and availability, students can choose to complete shifts with different EMS jurisdictions, including:

• Baltimore City Fire Department
• Baltimore City Fire Department Unified Communications Center (911 and Fire Dispatch)
• Baltimore County Fire Department
• PHI/University of Maryland ExpressCare-1 (AIR MEDICAL)
• University of Maryland ExpressCare Ground Critical Care Transport (GROUND TRANSPORT)

Program Details

The EMS elective is divided into four modules, which can be structured according to the individual student's experience and background. Previous EMS training or pre-requisites are not required. The EMS experience can be tailored to meet individual student interest.