Secondary Barriers: Recognizing the Need for EMS Research

Although it may not be similar in magnitude to the other barriers to EMS research, the lack of appreciation for the importance of EMS research can be detected throughout all aspects of the EMS system. There is a common belief that EMS research is not important as a basis for system evaluation and improvement. This belief is detrimental to efforts to improve the system based on scientific evaluation.

Recommendation 5.

The efforts of EMS professionals, delivery systems, academic centers, and public policy makers should be organized to support and apply the results of research.

·         NHTSA should adopt a curriculum for EMS educators that teaches critical review of the scientific literature.

·         The National Fire Academy should continue to offer courses that convey the importance of EMS research and detail specific strategies by which fire services can facilitate EMS research.

·         Federal agencies should adopt or develop a curriculum for EMS administrative officers that will instill the importance of evidence-based decision-making, reduction of medical errors, and introspection into the culture of EMS organizations.

·         Appropriate research principles should be included in the core content of EMS education of first responders, EMT-Basics, EMT-Intermediates, and EMT-Paramedics.

·         National and state accrediting agencies for EMS educational programs should require that familiarity with the scientific literature be an essential component of EMS education programs.

·         Academic institutions should develop training pathways for EMS professionals interested in pursuing a research career.

·         EMS agencies should contribute to the research process by agreeing to collaborate with academic institutions. Collaboration should include assistance with field data collection and patient enrollment in research studies.