Integration of EMS into School Coordinated School Health Randall Kirby BS/Paramedic, PCC, I/C
School Health Nurse
Barriers to Integration From EMS: “That’s not my job!” From the schools: “What can they do?” Fiscal
That’s not my job! Buy in to the process Best PR available Recruitment tool Helps at budget time Old EMS Rule: Be nice to kids – they grow up to be your partner. Be part of the solution not the problem!
“What can they do?” AS degree BS degree Critical Care Nationally accredited instructor training Type A personality on steroids Innovative
Fiscal Barrier Non-wage a. grants b. local sources c. School funds d. EMS funds Wage a. Same as above
Best Practices
SKIP Project Special Kids Information Program School Nurses gather info EMS incorporates info into data base EMS can access data Advantages Issues
SKIP Form
Drills Involves multiple agencies Better to practice and not need it than not practice and need it Take-aways from drill EMS now part of the “warm” zone.
Education of Teachers CPR Emergency Procedures Health Issues in Community
Education of Kids First Aid CPR “Hands Only CPR” a. This one class that has the chance of have a LARGE impact. Career Oriented
Education of School Nurses Nurses are trained to chronic conditions Acute medicine not emphasized EMS has either in house or outside sources for training What is your worst fear?
AEDs Does your school’s AED interface with your EMS’s monitors? EMS can advise you as to where they are needed Training
Trainers Pre-planning/ education Coordination Train EMS on athletes’ equipment Narrow the trainers’ gap a. LSB.b. AED Schedule coordination
Think Outside the Box Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Reality Check EMS Personnel served as instructors Developed curriculum Did pre- and post class survey Documented results Pregnancy rate dropped to almost 0 a.Preclass 18/150 students b.After 1 st year 5/160 students c. After second year 1/155 student
Where to now? 1.Need to start a dialogue between EMS and school health 2.Be willing to be open minded 3.Have to think outside the box 4.The rewards are worth it “ The failure to provide safety, protection, and good health to our most valuable asset -our children- borders on criminal neglect.”
Questions