Both first responders and medical professionals consistently receive high public trust and approval ratings, so it makes sense that EMS professionals, as a combination of both, are viewed in similar regard. This is one of the many reasons people choose to enter into the EMS field — it is rewarding and challenging work that can also offer excellent on-the-job training for additional careers in fields such as health care or the fire service. However, it also presents some unique challenges, and it has undergone significant changes in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid increase in wildfires, as well as technological and economic shifts have affected this and many other professions.  

Whether you plan to work in EMS for your entire career or plan to use it as a first step into a role in another field, it’s important stay informed about emerging industry trends. Here are some of the most significant developments to watch for the year:

The EMS Labor Shortage

There has been a nationwide shortage of EMS professionals for the last few years, as funding cuts, decreases in training resources, and other issues have made it a difficult field to enter for some. Despite this, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a year-over-year growth, which is higher than average for comparable professions. While this shortage has led to issues, including longer response times and less positive outcomes, it also gives aspiring EMS professionals more opportunities to learn and shape the industry as the next generation enters the workforce. 

As the shortage of EMS professionals is addressed, these professionals will be in a strong position to push for better wages, improved working conditions, and work-life balance. Given that EMS is an essential service, organizations may be more receptive to feedback from their staff to reverse the shortage and stave off retention issues. Additionally, qualified and experienced professionals may have an easier time finding jobs that suit their desired living situation, location, and career aspirations.  

EMS Investment in Mental Health

The relationship between job conditions and mental health has gained attention, and this growing awareness is especially important in high-stress jobs like those in EMS. The high demands that EMS professionals face on a daily basis, the stresses of understaffing, and the nature of emergency medical response work has led to greater stress on the job.  

Fortunately, regulatory organizations, EMS providers, mental health specialists, and other groups are increasing their investment and awareness of the difficulties faced by EMS professionals. This trend is expected to continue growing, creating a more stable and lower-stress work environment for EMS workers. The shortage will only make this effort more significant, as everyone involved works to offer excellent support for critical EMS professionals.  

Technology Transforming EMS Training and Patient Outcomes 

EMS professionals play a critical role in determining the nature and severity of medical emergencies. Advances in technologies, including improved video calling, data sharing, and other information services, allow them to assess these factors before even reaching the patient. Additionally, new portable medical hardware can allow EMS workers to perform what was once a lengthy inpatient process, using portable ultrasound devices on patients or rigging them with digital health monitors that transmit critical information to the waiting doctor.  

While these technologies are still being tested in the field, they will require new systems and techniques for training. The ability to collect and relay patient information before arriving at the site of an accident or emergency will improve patient outcomes compared to current methods.  

EMS training will also benefit from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools. By simulating real-life emergency scenarios, AR and VR simulations can help emergency medical technicians and other EMS workers prepare for the dynamic environments they will face. These tools can also allow instructors or management personnel to review and assess the simulated responses, focusing on areas for improvement and highlighting examples of progress. 

Prepare for EMS Trends at Columbia Southern University 

Here at Columbia Southern University, our EMS degree programs combine fundamentals with a keen awareness of the latest technology and techniques, giving students a solid foundation of the field. CSU has online classes that can work on your schedule, allowing you to learn at a pace that works with your life. If you’d like to learn more about our degree programs in emergency medical services, visit our programs page.