The Development of Emergency Medical Services
Introduction
| The presence of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the United States dates back to the Civil War. Although many ambulance services were developed in this country over the next century, the United States Army was the forerunner in pre-hospital care and organized the first ambulance service in 1865.
During the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the use of helicopters greatly facilitated patient transport. The success of the Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH), and high survival rates of soldiers treated near the battlefield, spurred the transfer of this approach to medical care to the civilian population. Thus, in 1966, mobile stations were established on the streets of the United States. This was also the year that a report published by the National Academy of Sciences brought to light the need of quality emergency care and transportation for the general population of the United States.
Today, emergency medical services including emergency transportation and on-site medical care exist in virtually all U.S. coummunities. Organizations that provide these services also train the public in CPR and basic life support techniques. In many communities trained volunteers such as first responders, often assist during medical emergencies until professional EMT-Ps (Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic) arrive. Becoming a first responder is one way you could provide valuable help during a medical emergency in your community. First responders are certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health after a 40 hour training course. For more information, call the Iowa Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at (515) 281-3741.
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 30. Cover to Paramedic Training Brochure
Courtesy of University of Iowa Hospitals
and Clinics Emergency Medical Services
Learning Resources Center
31. Cover to EMT Training Brochure
Courtesy of University of Iowa Hospitals
and Clinics Emergency Medical Services
Learning Resources Center |
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