IU-EMS - Operation

Operation

Here you can find more detailed information about how IU-EMS operates at events for which it provides coverage, at its educational functions, and in its organizational administration. Select one of the following topics to learn more:

Events

When university, student, or community organizations inquire about hiring IU-EMS, representatives from

both organizations meet to discuss the logistics of possible coverage. IU-EMS seeks to learn about the

nature of the event, expected geographic area, expected number of participants, and expected illnesses and

injuries. IU-EMS provides the hiring organization with information on IU-EMS staffing, training, equipment,

and cost. Once both organizations reach an agreement, they sign a legal contract of service.

Then, IU-EMS assigns members to work at the event. Minimal coverage consists of two EMTs, although

they are usually supplemented by two First Aiders and work in two EMT-First Aider teams. The nature of the

event may require more teams or multiple shifts. IU-EMS also plans equipment and supply use for the event,

as well as logistics such as personnel and equipment transportation.

Before the beginning of each event, the assigned IU-EMS members meet to prepare for their coverage.

They obtain official uniforms, check and test equipment and supplies, and discuss the nature of the event with

each other. Experienced EMTs also provide any necessary training or remediation to newer members.

For most events, IU-EMS is stationed at a table or in a tent, and treats any patient that approaches them.

At some events, IU-EMS actively monitors for possible illnesses and injuries and responds to such situations

autonomously. At other events, at the request of the hiring organization, IU-EMS only responds away from

their station upon request for assistance. At still other events, IU-EMS maintains roaming teams which

monitor a large geographic area or a large crowd for possible illnesses and injuries.

All events that are large in geographic area or number of participants, or that are of a unique nature,

necessitate the presence of one or more officers. IU-EMS officers are veteran members that are extensively

experienced both in patient care and IU-EMS operation, and can demonstrate the required skills.

When providing patient care, IU-EMS members provide the BLS (basic life support) scope of practice, the

same quality of care that would be rendered on a 911 ambulance call. Members protect the privacy and

confidentiality of patients, and are able to manage large or intense emergency situations, including triaging

multiple patients, if necessary. IU-EMS can also facilitate transport to Bloomington Hospital or Monroe

Hospital via BHAS (Bloomington Hospital Ambulance Service) if necessary.

At the end of all events, IU-EMS waits until the event is officially finished and all participants (excluding event

staff) have left the area. The members then return their equipment and supplies to its proper storage, and file

their patient reports with the IU-EMS Records Director. IU-EMS representatives then follow up with the hiring

organization to assess quality of service and possible improvements for future events.

The following pages offer more detailed information on relevant topics:

Event Descriptions (Individual Events that IU-EMS Regularly Provides Coverage At)
Members (Policies and Protocols Sections)
Equipment and Supplies
EMT-Basic Course Content

IUSF Little 50 2007

First Aid, CPR, & AED Courses

IU-EMS first aid, CPR, and AED administration courses are approved by the American Heart Association

and operate similarly to other American Red Cross and American Heart Association courses. Once the

IU-EMS External Training Director schedules dates, times, and locations for the courses, IU-EMS promotes

the courses through several means, including academic departments, university courses, student groups,

fraternities and sororities, and public advertising. Students must register for the course for a minimal fee,

much less than available elsewhere, and they receive instructional materials which they can keep. Students

who successfully complete the courses can receive their certifications from the IU-EMS office in room 672 of

the IMU (Indiana Memorial Union) or by mail. Students also have the opportunity to complete an American

Heart Association course evaluation to ensure quality.

For more information on IU-EMS' first aid, CPR, and AED administration courses, visit the course page.

First Aid

EMT-Basic Practical Skills Lab

IU-EMS members who possess EMT certification or have successfully completed the IU EMT-Basic course

individually volunteer to assist in instructing the practical skills portion of the course. This portion is offered

as several two-hour labs on Friday morning and afternoon (course students select one lab to attend). The

only requirement for members to volunteer is to arrange it with the course's instructor, Arch Tinsley. Assistant

instructors have the option to earn one credit hour for each lab taught, up to two credits, and are expected to

attend nearly all of the sessions for their selected labs if they choose this option. Otherwise, assistant

instructors are not required to attend all labs or all sessions of any particular lab, but are requested to attend

most of them.

Each week, course students learn, practice, or are examined on one or more of the thirteen practical skills.

Additionally, there are often students who must individually learn a new skill or be examined on a skill due to

previous absences. Assistant instructors must be sufficiently knowledgeable on all of the practical skills and

must be able to demonstrate each one to students properly. Additionally, they must also be able to correctly

and clearly answer various questions from the students about the practical skills and the textbook material.

EMT-Basic Lab Spring 2007

EMT-Basic State Practical Skills Examination

IU-EMS officers are responsible for preparing the EMT-Basic state practical skills examination. First, they

must schedule it with the state, the university, and the IU EMT-Basic course's instructor. This includes filing

official paperwork with the state. Then, they recruit volunteers to administer the examination to the students

as examiners, assistants, or patients. The officers supervise the onsite administration of the examination,

and follow up with the IU EMT-Basic course's instructor to ensure quality.

For more information on how the examination functions in terms of the volunteers and the students, visit the

following pages:

EMT-Basic State Practical Skills Examination Fall 2006

Administration

The IU-EMS officers, which include executive board members and non-executive officers, are fully

responsible for the administration of the organization. This primarily encompasses routine procedures in

administering event coverage and educational courses and functions. However, IU-EMS also maintains

several goals which call for the development and implementation of new initiatives and projects. IU-EMS

officers are responsible for performing the appropriate research, communication, paperwork, training,

education, promotion, budgeting, and any other activities required for successful implementation. IU-EMS

also employs the services of non-officer members in the completion of routine procedures and the

implementation of new initiatives and projects, both individually and through the use of committees.

For more information on the responsibilities of each officer position, visit the officer positions page.

Officers Coordinating In an Instant 2008