Online Medical Control for EMS: A Lecture and Case-Based Teaching Module

INTRODUCTION: The provision of real-time medical direction to emergency medical services (EMS) providers is a core skill for the emergency physician, yet it is one with a wide variability of training received within residency. METHODS: We developed a complete training module for providing online medical control to EMS providers, including two lectures, multiple case-based scenarios for practice via two-way radio, a survey of participants’ self-perceived knowledge and comfort in this area, and a postmodule knowledge test. Participants completed the survey both before and after the module. The module was given during the regularly scheduled didactic conference series. There were 22 participants, some of whom were attendings and medical students. RESULTS: The survey responses showed a statistically significant improvement after completion of the module for all questions, including improved self-perceived comfort with providing online medical control. Additionally, all participants passed the postmodule knowledge test with a mean score of 95%. DISCUSSION: This module was well received and showed significant results in improving the participants’ self-perceived and tested knowledge of EMS as well as their comfort with providing online medical control. The module offers an excellent baseline training experience for use by other residencies or agency medical directors.