In order to expose our fellows to the breadth of pre-hospital care, our curriculum is based on a longitudinal format. We conduct weekly didactic sessions to discuss recent cases or practical applications of EMS physician involvement in the system. Didactics also include lectures and discussions on topics to provide a foundational knowledge base and to prepare for the EMS subspecialty boards. Journal clubs allow for review of the most current evidenced-based medicine involving EMS and we aim to include not just our EMS faculty and fellows but also our EMS providers and other stakeholders within the system.
GROUND
The local communities are served by a progressive ground EMS system. Numerous fire departments throughout the area provide BLS first response capabilities. There are two ALS transporting agencies which also have mobile intensive care units (MICUs) and community paramedics. Fellows will be expected to widely engage with our agency partners both in the pre-hospital clinical environment as well as at the administrative and oversight levels.
(HVA [MICU, CPs, Event], LCA, FDs [AAFD, PTFD, YFD, YTFD, Canton FD])
AEROMEDICAL
Aeromedical operations are based at the University of Michigan’s Survival Flight program which provides critical care transport and scene responses via its fleet of 3 helicopters and 1 fixed-wing aircraft. Fellows will have the opportunity, should they desire, to participate as part of the care team.
(SF)
EMS SYSTEM
Medical direction and oversight of the area prehospital agencies is conducted by the Washtenaw/Livingston Medical Control Authority. Fellows will be expected to attend monthly Medical Control Board meetings as well as work on projects within the various subcommittees. Additionally, our local EMS leaders participate widely at the state level through the State of Michigan Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness. This provides our fellows involvement in the decision making process at all levels.
(WL MCA; State of Michigan)
EMS RESEARCH
As the Department of Emergency Medicine with the highest NIH funding in the country in recent years, Michigan Medicine has extensive research opportunities available to fellows. We employ multiple research faculty who, along with the EMS Fellowship Program Director, will meet with each fellow early in their program to evaluate their research interests and aptitudes, and review the research opportunities available to them.
(UM EM [NIH, etc])
EVENT MEDICINE
Ann Arbor and the surrounding area is an active and vibrant community. As such, there are many local events that require onsite medical support. Fellow involvement will include University of Michigan Football and other athletic events, the Ann Arbor Art Fairs and local races such as the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run.
(UM Football, Art Fair, Local runs [AA Marathon, Dexter-A2 Run])
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Our community is also served by several teams that provide specialized care in unique environments. Opportunities exist with the local Hazardous Materials team, Tactical EMS and Technical Rescue. While fellows will be exposed to these areas as part of the foundational curriculum, additional involvement is available depending on specific interest and career goals. We also partner closely with our colleagues in Wilderness Medicine to provide educational sessions and practical training.
(HazMat, TEMS, TRT)