“EMS Strong” is what draws a special few together to do the important work of providing lifesaving emergency medical care. The national theme for EMS Week 2015, “EMS Strong” aims to recognize the hard work, long hours and commitment to quality patient care provided by EMS professionals.
The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services has certified and licensed 13,568 EMS providers in the state of Kentucky including emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
“This statewide network of professionals is truly a strong group because they routinely put others’ needs above theirs and serve the citizens of Kentucky with care and compassion,” said KBEMS Executive Director Michael Poynter. “When you are sick or hurt and call 911, an EMS provider is usually the first line of medical treatment. The decisions they make in those first minutes and the strength they show are crucial for patient care.”
This year KBEMS has seen a sharp increase in reporting from EMS agencies to the Kentucky State Ambulance Reporting System or K-STARS. The statewide electronic database allows sharing of patient information through the Kentucky Health Information Exchange to give medical providers a full picture of patient care.
“This is just another way Kentucky is ‘EMS Strong’,” said Poynter. “When everyone involved in a patient’s treatment plan has the same information, from the paramedic who evaluates him or her to the family physician who will follow up with the patient for months or years to come, the patient has a stronger chance for a full recovery and a healthy life.”
To learn more about KBEMS and EMS Week click here.
From the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services