Evaluation of the Availability and Implementation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training in Saudi Emergency Medicine Programs.

BACKGROUND

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is pivotal in the healthcare system, particularly in Emergency Medicine (EM) education. This study focuses on the current state and structure of the EMS rotation within Saudi Emergency Medicine Programs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to evaluate the availability and implementation of the EMS rotation curriculum in Saudi Emergency Medicine Programs concerning the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) requirements, identify gaps in its delivery, and propose areas for improvement to enhance standardization and effectiveness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among emergency medicine program directors and residents in Saudi Arabia. Inclusion criteria were physicians who had completed EMS rotations after 2018. The survey collected data on participant backgrounds, available activities, evaluation-related services, and field experience. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis, employing Chi-square tests to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

The study included 68 participants, 51.5% current EM residents and 42.6% graduated EM residents. The majority were from the Central EM residency program (51.5%). Education of prehospital healthcare providers was the most reported activity (78%), followed by ride-along (Ground) (75%) and dispatch observation (66.1%). Significant differences in activity availability and evaluation services were observed based on respondents' positions and locations. For instance, ride-along (Air) was available in 7.1% of Eastern Region programs compared to 0% in Western programs. The most meaningful component of EMS rotation, as reported by 41.5% of participants, was ride-along.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the variability in EMS rotation activities and evaluation services across Saudi emergency medicine programs and underscores the need for more structured and comprehensive training approaches aligned with SCHS requirements.