GEMS: Geriatric Education for EMS Course Manual (Print) with eBook

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc

In the United States, approximately 40% of all emergency medical services (EMS) calls involve geriatric patients experiencing acute medical disorders, trauma, or exacerbations of chronic diseases. This number is expected to rise significantly in the future, as the global population of individuals aged 80 and older is projected to triple by 2050. To address this growing demand, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has developed the Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) program. The GEMS course manual is designed to prepare prehospital practitioners to respond effectively to the unique needs of older adults.

A Comprehensive Approach to Geriatric Care

The GEMS program provides a comprehensive approach to geriatric care by emphasizing the assessment of geriatric patients. Since the aging process affects all body systems, the NAEMTs course provides an overview of changes that occur as people age and how these changes can impact patient presentation. Completing a thorough assessment that considers the unique pathophysiology of older adults is critical for recognizing and responding quickly and effectively to critically ill or injured older adults.

Incorporating the GEMS Diamond (Geriatric, Environmental, Medical, and Social assessments) into the assessment process can help practitioners formulate a holistic diagnostic and treatment approach. The GEMS Diamond framework includes a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that may impact their health. By addressing these factors, practitioners can develop personalized care plans that address the individual needs of older patients.

The GEMS course manual includes chapters that cover a wide range of topics relevant to geriatric care, including changes with age and assessment of the older patient, polypharmacy and toxicity in older patients, respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, trauma, other medical disorders, and end-of-life care. These chapters provide practitioners with the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality care to older adults in a variety of settings, including the prehospital, emergency department, and long-term care facilities.

Conclusion

The GEMS program is an essential educational resource for prehospital practitioners who want to improve their ability to care for older adults. By providing a comprehensive approach to geriatric care, the GEMS course manual helps practitioners develop the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality, personalized care to this rapidly growing patient population. As the global population of older adults continues to increase, the demand for geriatric care will only continue to grow. By preparing prehospital practitioners with the GEMS program, we can ensure that older adults receive the care they need in the most timely and effective manner possible.

Weight: 482g
ISBN-13: 9781284280272
Edition number: 3 ed