This course explores complex and emerging issues in the practice, leadership, and systems design of Emergency Medical Services. Building on foundational EMT and paramedic knowledge, students will critically examine advanced clinical practices, operational strategies, and the evolving role of EMS in public health, disaster response, and integrated healthcare systems. Topics include advanced airway and resuscitation science, trauma and critical care transport, special event and austere medicine, disaster and mass-casualty incident management, EMS leadership and policy, ethics and legal considerations, and innovations such as community paramedicine and mobile integrated healthcare. Through case studies, scholarly readings, simulations, and guest lectures from EMS physicians, paramedics, and system leaders, students will develop the skills to analyze complex scenarios, evaluate system-level decision-making, and engage with cutting-edge developments in prehospital care. Learning Outcomes: Analyze advanced clinical and operational challenges in EMS practice; Evaluate the role of EMS within broader healthcare, emergency management, and public safety systems; Apply evidence-based approaches to prehospital care and system design; Critically assess emerging innovations and their impact on patient outcomes and system performance; Engage in thoughtful discussion of ethical, cultural, and policy issues relevant to prehospital medicine. nPrerequisites: Current or prior certification as an EMT (or equivalent experience) and prior coursework in emergency medicine, public health, or healthcare systems is strongly recommended.n
2 units · Medical Option (Med-Ltr-CR/NC)
This course explores complex and emerging issues in the practice, leadership, and systems design of Emergency Medical Services. Building on foundational EMT and paramedic knowledge, students will critically examine advanced clinical practices, operational strategies, and the evolving role of EMS in public health, disaster response, and integrated healthcare systems. Topics include advanced airway and resuscitation science, trauma and critical care transport, special event and austere medicine, disaster and mass-casualty incident management, EMS leadership and policy, ethics and legal considerations, and innovations such as community paramedicine and mobile integrated healthcare. Through case studies, scholarly readings, simulations, and guest lectures from EMS physicians, paramedics, and system leaders, students will develop the skills to analyze complex scenarios, evaluate system-level decision-making, and engage with cutting-edge developments in prehospital care. Learning Outcomes: Analyze advanced clinical and operational challenges in EMS practice; Evaluate the role of EMS within broader healthcare, emergency management, and public safety systems; Apply evidence-based approaches to prehospital care and system design; Critically assess emerging innovations and their impact on patient outcomes and system performance; Engage in thoughtful discussion of ethical, cultural, and policy issues relevant to prehospital medicine. nPrerequisites: Current or prior certification as an EMT (or equivalent experience) and prior coursework in emergency medicine, public health, or healthcare systems is strongly recommended.n
Offered in Autumn 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 at Stanford University.