Priya Patel
TLDR:
- Telemedicine technology being installed in rural Nebraska ambulances to provide immediate access to emergency physicians.
- Initiative aims to address EMS volunteer recruitment and retention in rural communities.
A new initiative is underway in rural Nebraska to improve access to high-quality emergency medical services. Ambulances in 20 rural communities and counties are being equipped with telemedicine technology, allowing EMTs and paramedics to have real-time access to emergency physicians 24/7. This initiative is spearheaded by Tim Wilson, the state’s director of the Office of Emergency Health Systems, and supported by Sandy Lewis, president of the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association.
With many rural communities located far from the nearest hospital, the telemedicine technology helps stabilize patients and improve outcomes by providing immediate medical support. This initiative not only benefits patients in rural areas but also supports EMS volunteers by offering additional tools for recruitment and retention.
Avel eCare, a partner in this initiative, has been working with healthcare professionals in Nebraska for over 20 years. By providing expertise and guidance, Avel eCare aims to improve pre-hospital care and overall outcomes for EMS professionals in rural areas. The initiative, funded by a CDC Health Disparities grant, has already seen success in South Dakota with their Telemedicine in Motion program, leading to improved care and increased recruitment and retention of EMS providers.
The participating sites in Nebraska include various volunteer fire departments, ambulance services, and medical centers. Community leaders interested in getting involved can contact Tim Wilson for more information. Overall, the initiative to equip rural Nebraska ambulances with telemedicine technology is a significant step towards ensuring high-quality emergency care in remote areas and supporting EMS volunteers who play a crucial role in saving lives.
