Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are the unsung heroes of medical emergencies. Without fanfare or acclaim—and sometimes without pay—they perform an essential, life-saving function for critically injured patients.

“EMS workers in Lancaster County—many of whom are volunteers—are a team of dedicated healthcare providers who continuously strive to improve the quality of care they deliver,” says William Adams, MD, Emergency Department Medical Director. “EMS personnel work long hours. We’re thankful for the great work that they do.”

EMS workers, including first responders, fire and police units and ambulance services, provide medical care for patients before they arrive in the Lancaster General Hospital Emergency Department. They evaluate and stabilize patients, including clearing the patient’s airway, providing intravenous fluids, immobilizing patients with potential spinal cord injuries, splinting possible broken bones and managing pain.

In addition to providing medical treatment, the pre-hospital teams communicate with the Emergency Department physicians who determine the best course of action and mobilize the hospital team to be ready when the patient arrives. This direct communication and state of readiness enables the staff to begin caring for the patient quickly, when time is truly of the essence.

“At a moment’s notice, EMS workers drop everything else they’re doing and go out to care for critically injured patients. No matter how busy their lives are, they make themselves available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” says Fred Rogers, MD, Trauma Program Medical Director.

EMS personnel must continually educate themselves to stay on top of the latest treatment options. There are two levels of training for EMS caregivers: emergency medical technician, which requires 150 hours of training, and paramedic, which involves training in excess of 2,000 hours. Many EMT providers have clinical and associate medical degrees. 

Ron Baier, EMS Communications Manager at Lancaster General Health, works with a collaborative team to coordinate communication between the Lancaster General Hospital Emergency Department and EMS crews throughout the community.

EMS providers are annually recognized by the Emergency Department and Trauma Center during EMS Week in May. An online video tribute and daily WIOV radio recognition were all part of this year’s salute to these dedicated teams. You can view the video at www.LancasterGeneralHealth.org

 

Photo caption: More than 200 EMS providers and their families enjoyed lunch, family activities, door prizes donated by Lancaster Emergency Associates and an aerial group photo – in the shape of EMS - at this year’s annual picnic coordinated by Lancaster General Health.

 

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