Framework for Expanding EMS System Capacity During Medical Surge

assessment process, discussing education and training with the local EMS medical director and EMS personnel will be important. These persons will be the best resources for identifying gaps in the current skills and training of providers and volunteers as well as the topical education and training needs of EMS personnel and community partners. Once these needs are identified, targeted education and training can be developed.

When response plans are finalized and MOUs are in EMS Subject Matter Expert Tip place; community stakeholders must educate, train, and exercise to the plans in order to facilitate a To adequately prepare EMS personnel seamless response. Standardized training plans, with for expanding EMS system capacity, multiple delivery methods (e.g., web-based, in-person addressing both training and and just-in-time), will provide accessibility to all education is important. The purpose of partners. Providing opportunities to exercise, evaluate, training EMS personnel is to introduce and modify education and training protocols over time the technical protocols and procedures will ensure that the curriculum meets the varying required to respond (e.g., the steps required to start an IV). The purpose of needs of community response efforts. For more education is to provide the necessary information on developing and exercising community background and rationale for response plans, see FEMA's Homeland Security Exercise performing the procedure (e.g., why and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) (available at starting an IV is necessary). https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/32326). The following strategies for meeting education and training needs were recommended by EMS experts: EMS Subject Matter Expert Tip
When response plans are finalized and MOUs are in EMS Subject Matter Expert Tip place; community stakeholders must educate, train, and exercise to the plans in order to facilitate a To adequately prepare EMS personnel seamless response. Standardized training plans, with for expanding EMS system capacity, multiple delivery methods (e.g., web-based, in-person addressing both training and and just-in-time), will provide accessibility to all education is important. The purpose of partners. Providing opportunities to exercise, evaluate, training EMS personnel is to introduce and modify education and training protocols over time the technical protocols and procedures will ensure that the curriculum meets the varying required to respond (e.g., the steps required to start an IV). The purpose of needs of community response efforts. For more education is to provide the necessary information on developing and exercising community background and rationale for response plans, see FEMA's Homeland Security Exercise performing the procedure (e.g., why and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) (available at starting an IV is necessary). https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/32326). The following strategies for meeting education and training needs were recommended by EMS experts: EMS Subject Matter Expert Tip To adequately prepare EMS personnel for expanding EMS system capacity, addressing both training and education is important. The purpose of training EMS personnel is to introduce the technical protocols and procedures required to respond (e.g., the steps required to start an IV). The purpose of education is to provide the necessary background and rationale for performing the procedure (e.g., why starting an IV is necessary).

When response plans are finalized and MOUs are in EMS Subject Matter Expert Tip place; community stakeholders must educate, train, and exercise to the plans in order to facilitate a To adequately prepare EMS personnel seamless response. Standardized training plans, with for expanding EMS system capacity, multiple delivery methods (e.g., web-based, in-person addressing both training and and just-in-time), will provide accessibility to all education is important. The purpose of partners. Providing opportunities to exercise, evaluate, training EMS personnel is to introduce and modify education and training protocols over time the technical protocols and procedures will ensure that the curriculum meets the varying required to respond (e.g., the steps required to start an IV). The purpose of needs of community response efforts. For more education is to provide the necessary information on developing and exercising community background and rationale for response plans, see FEMA's Homeland Security Exercise performing the procedure (e.g., why and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) (available at starting an IV is necessary). https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/32326). The following strategies for meeting education and training needs were recommended by EMS experts:

##### Policy, Regulation, and Research

- • Familiarize (non-EMS) community partners with state legislation and regulations that defines EMS organization, scope of practice, medical oversight requirements, and integration.
- • Research Good Samaritan laws, which offer legal protection for individuals who attempt to assist others who are sick or injured. Good Samaritan laws vary considerably by state, both in terms of the type of protection provided and to whom.
- • Define the role of alternate care sites including role in the response, organization, utility, expectations of care, and lessons learned from previous incidents.
- • Train all responders on protocols that ensure patient safety.