EMS Leadership - Embracing a Growth Mindset

As EMS providers, we are constantly in high-stakes situations where quick thinking and adaptability are essential. Carol Dweck’s concept of a growth mindset —believing that abilities and intelligence can develop through dedication and hard work— is gaining traction across various fields, and it's especially relevant in the fast-paced world of emergency medical services.

A growth mindset is not just a trendy term; it has real implications for how we operate in the field, how we approach challenges, and how we support our teams. However, like any popular idea, misconceptions can arise. Some believe a growth mindset is simply about praising effort, but this isn't enough in EMS, where outcomes can be a matter of life or death. Effort matters, but so do results. The key is understanding that while some treatments may not lead to the desired outcome, the lessons learned from these experiences are invaluable.

In EMS organizations, it's common to hear motivational phrases like “adopt a growth mindset, and good things will happen.” It’s easy to agree with ideals such as growth, empowerment, and innovation, but what do these words mean without the policies and support systems to make them attainable? As EMS providers, we must ask: How are these values being put into practice in our everyday operations?

Organizations that truly embrace a growth mindset create an environment where calculated risk-taking is encouraged, knowing that not every decision will have the desired outcome. In these environments, it's not just about whether a protocol worked perfectly; it’s about the critical lessons learned, the shared knowledge within the team, and how we can improve care in the future.

But there's another piece to this puzzle. As individuals, we can't solely rely on our organization to foster this mindset. Whether you’re new to EMS or a seasoned veteran, the responsibility for your growth rests with you. This means continuously developing your skills, learning from your experiences, and seeking feedback. When you take ownership of your growth, you become not only a more effective provider but also a leader who influences the team for the better.

By cultivating a growth mindset on a personal level, you're more likely to become an agent of positive change—both for your patients and within your EMS team. The more invested you are in your own development, the more you contribute to the collective success of the team, enhancing both your leadership skills and your role as an engaged, proactive team member.

Further Reading:

Dweck, C. S. (2007) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York, NY: Ballantine Books

Dweck, C. S. (2016) What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means. Harvard Business Review (January 2016).  Accessed September 6, 2024

Dweck, C. S. & Yeager, D. S. (2019) Mindsets: A View From Two Eras. Perspectives on Psychological Science 14 (3):481-496. Accessed September 6, 2024

EMS Operations - Reimagining the Future With Artificial Intelligence

The article "Reimagining the Future: Artificial Intelligence Implications for Emergency Medical Services" by Michael Wissemann discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, emphasizing both its potential benefits and challenges, particularly for EMS. 

AI has advanced significantly over the past decade, with applications ranging from radiology to real-time dispatch systems in EMS. 

While AI can improve efficiency and accuracy in various medical tasks, it also poses risks, such as ethical concerns and privacy issues, especially when dealing with sensitive patient information.

In the context of EMS, AI could revolutionize operations by predicting and managing incidents more effectively. For example, AI could optimize the dispatch of emergency units or even assist in triaging mass-casualty events. 

Additionally, AI's integration into vehicles and medical devices could enhance real-time decision-making and patient care. 

However, the article notes that implementing such technologies requires overcoming significant hurdles, including data standardization, ethical considerations, and ensuring patient privacy.

Despite these challenges, the article advocates for embracing AI in EMS to shape its development and application proactively. 

By doing so, EMS providers can ensure that AI advancements align with their needs and improve patient outcomes. Ignoring these advancements, on the other hand, could result in externally imposed changes that may not fully address the unique demands of emergency medical services. 

For the full article, access the JEMS link here.

EMS Discussion - EMS As An Essential Service

EMS plays a critical role in public health and safety by providing timely medical care to those in need during emergencies, accidents, and other urgent situations. EMS professionals are often the first responders on the scene of accidents, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other crises, providing life-saving interventions, stabilizing patients, and transporting them to medical facilities for further treatment.

Regrading EMS as an essential service emphasizes its importance within the broader healthcare system and ensures that it receives the necessary support, resources, and recognition to effectively carry out its lifesaving mission. 

This recognition can lead to better funding, improved training and equipment, enhanced coordination with other emergency response agencies, and increased public awareness about the vital role that EMS plays in safeguarding community health and well-being.

Moreover, designating EMS as an essential service underscores the societal obligation to prioritize emergency medical care and ensures that communities have access to timely and high-quality emergency medical services when they need them most.

There are several compelling arguments for designating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an essential service:

Public Health & Safety: EMS is integral to public health and safety. Prompt medical intervention provided by EMS professionals can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations such as cardiac arrests, strokes, severe injuries, and other medical crises.

Timely Response: As first responders, EMS personnel are often the first point of contact during emergencies. Their timely response and medical interventions can help stabilize patients and improve their chances of survival or recovery.

Community Well-being: EMS services contribute to the overall well-being of communities by providing critical medical care and support during emergencies. By ensuring access to emergency medical services, communities can feel more secure and confident in their ability to handle crises effectively.

Preventive Care & Education: EMS professionals also play a role in preventive care and public health education. They offer training in CPR, first aid, and other lifesaving techniques, as well as raise awareness about health issues such as opioid overdoses, mental health crises, and injury prevention.

Support for Healthcare System: EMS serves as a vital link between pre-hospital care and hospital-based medical services. By regrading EMS as an essential service, it receives greater recognition and support within the broader healthcare system, leading to better coordination, integration, and resource allocation across the continuum of care.

Economic Benefits: Investing in EMS as an essential service can yield economic benefits by reducing healthcare costs associated with preventable deaths, avoidable hospitalizations, and long-term disabilities. Additionally, a well-functioning EMS system can attract businesses and residents to communities, enhancing economic development.

Legal & Regulatory Framework: Designating EMS as an essential service can provide a legal and regulatory framework to ensure consistent standards of care, licensing requirements for EMS providers, and accountability mechanisms for service delivery.

Overall, recognizing EMS as an essential service acknowledges its critical role in safeguarding public health, enhancing community resilience, and saving lives during emergencies.

It underscores the importance of prioritizing emergency medical care and ensuring that EMS services are adequately funded, supported, and integrated into the broader healthcare system.

Further Reading:

Bass, R.R (2015) History of EMS in Emergency Medical Services: Clinical Practice and Systems Oversight (2nd Ed). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons

Institute of Medicine (2007) Emergency Medical Services: At the Crossroads. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press

Woodyard, D.R. (2023) EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity. Colorado: Donnie Woodyard