Rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma – Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas and provide lessons others have learned. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Other Project Examples

AGRIMEDIC

Updated/reviewed February 2024

• Need: To reduce farm injuries and improve EMS and fire/rescue's response to these injuries in rural Louisiana and Mississippi.
• Intervention: AGRIMEDIC is a two-day training for first responders.
• Results: 810 first responders have received training.

Rural Nevada EMS Conference

Updated/reviewed January 2024

• Need: To provide rural Nevada EMS personnel an opportunity to receive quality training and current EMS information from national EMS educators.
• Intervention: The Rural Nevada EMS Conference offers continuing education units and engaging sessions for EMS personnel.
• Results: In 2023, 185 individuals attended the conference in-person.

Rural Firefighters Delivering Agricultural Safety and Health (RF-DASH)

Added October 2023

• Need: To reduce injuries in agricultural communities and improve emergency responders' preparedness when called to farms and ranches.
• Intervention: RF-DASH equips rural fire/EMS personnel and others with agricultural health and safety knowledge and tools to pre-plan for agricultural emergencies as well as assess and then mitigate agricultural hazards.
• Results: Over 80 firefighters and EMTs have received training to become RF-DASH trainers.

EMS Live@Nite

Updated/reviewed September 2023

• Need: Distance, time, and cost make it difficult for EMS volunteers to attend continuing education and maintain certification.
• Intervention: Providence Health Training delivers free online training to rural EMS providers via video teleconferencing.
• Results: The EMS Live@Nite program provides free, monthly training to rural EMS providers in the northwestern part of the United States. The program is available through live video conferencing from certified locations in rural communities.

Simulation in Motion-South Dakota (SIM-SD) EMS Educational Outreach Program

Updated/reviewed February 2023

• Need: To provide increased educational opportunities for emergency care personnel in rural and frontier South Dakota.
• Intervention: A technologically advanced training was created to enhance the delivery of emergency patient care.
• Results: Hundreds of emergency medical services (EMS) staff and volunteers received training that in turn helped them in the field of emergency patient care.

Fostering Futures in Menominee Nation

Updated/reviewed August 2022

• Need: Since the late 1800's, trauma caused by historic events have greatly affected the way of life for Menominee Indians living on the Menominee Reservation. Economic, socioeconomic, behavioral health, and physical health issues have risen and are causing direct implications for Menominee youth.
• Intervention: Through Fostering Futures, clinic, school, and Head Start/Early Head Start staff are trained in administering trauma-informed care and building resilience among children.
• Results: Behavioral health visits at the Menominee Tribal Clinic have increased, school suspension rates have decreased, and graduation rates have improved from 60% to 94% since 2008.

Rescue Divas EMT Recruitment

Updated/reviewed June 2022

• Need: Increased number of emergency medical technicians in rural northern Wisconsin.
• Intervention: Creation of a program, Rescue Divas, for middle school girls to spark interest in emergency medical services careers.
• Results: Post-participation results demonstrate the camp increases interest in an emergency medical services career.