EMS Leaders Look to the Future at Industry Conference

Numerous EMS leaders converged at the EMS Today Conference and Exhibition in Baltimore, Maryland this week, where a recurring discussion theme has been the future of EMS.

The conference opened Thursday with a keynote address by Dr. Paul Pepe, in which he discussed the changes needed in modern disaster medicine as a result of changes in the world population, world economy, and world culture. Disasters are no longer local, he explained, but resonate worldwide, and emergency response agencies must update their psychology and capabilities to prepare for disasters of the future.

Other conference topics included advances in trauma care, such as "super bandages" and blood substitutes, (Report from the Eagles -- Trauma Care 2007) as well as a look at international strategies for preparing for the future (What Does the Future Hold for EMS?). This session also examined findings from the Institute of Medicine report on how current issues in the U.S., such as our aging population, will shape our future needs.

Finally, one of the liveliest events Thursday was the first "Lightning Round" of the conference, in which attendees had the opportunity to question a panel of industry experts on tough issues. One of the hottest topics was the need to cut down on misuse of the 911 system, possibly via public education and/or new protocols to direct callers without apparent emergencies to other healthcare resources.

The expo's exhibit hall is scheduled to open Friday, March 9 and to continue along with additional classroom sessions through Saturday, March 10.