Gap analysis of disaster training for EMS Personnel in Alabama

Since the conception of the South Central Center for Public Health Preparedness (SCCPHP) in 2002, 15 face-to-face trainings and exercises have been conducted in Alabama targeting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. These courses have been funded in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). These courses provided awareness and operations level training to improve effective EMS response to public health crisis including mass casualty events. Courses and exercises targeting specific triage and victim management skills essential to EMS operations have been provided across the state. In order to identify gaps in training and assess future training needs, a survey conducted by the SCCPHP compared course objectives of existing courses with the 2007 National EMS Scope of Practice Model and the National EMS Education Standards. The results of this study will be used in conjunction with training needs assessments to identify future training priorities for this target group.

All face-to-face trainings targeting EMS personnel conducted by the SCCPHP between 2003 and 2009 will be included. A survey will be created and sent to subject matter experts in Alabama. Objectives will be compared to determine the congruence with the EMS education standards for operating during a disaster. A matrix will illustrate which National EMS Educational Standards have been addressed and those that have not been addressed identifying the gaps and strengths of previous EMS training in Alabama.

The results will be completed by May 2009. Results will identify strengths and gaps of EMS training within Alabama.