In today's world, a phone call to 911 is designed to ensure that emergency services, including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical care is accessible to all individuals who find themselves in an emergency. Traffic laws establish that drivers are to move their vehicles to the right of the road and come to a stop in order to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. Emergency medical care is recognized as vital to helping to keep people safe and healthy. Yet, emergency medical services (EMS), as we know them today were only formally established in United States the 1970s. How did the country survive for so long without these services? What did citizens do if they had an emergency? What changes took place that made EMS a part of the emergency care provided for citizens? In this chapter, you will learn about the history and development of EMS in the United States. OBJECTIVES
Understand the history of EMS in the United States.
Understand the major historical developments that contributed to modern EMS.
Understand the legislative and administrative decisions that help to modernize EMS.
Understand the basic challenges to providing effective EMS care.
VOCABULARY
ambulances emergency medical vehicles designed to transport ill and injured persons
cardiac pertaining to the heart
cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR , method of keeping a patient breathing and his or her heart beating using manual techniques
heart defibrillators medical devices designed to provide electrical current to restart a stopped heart
Highway Safety Act act passed in 1966 that established a program to improve highway safety and to improve the nature and quality of EMS in the United States
paramedics emergency medical professionals who provide advanced medical care, including life support, during emergencies
pediatric pertaining to children
triage system in which wounded soldiers are treated in order according to the severity of their injuries, regardless of other factors such as rank