Professionalism in Emergency Medical Services: A People-Centered Approach to Prehospital Care—A Position Statement and Resource Document

Professionalism is an important construct in emergency medical services (EMS) clinical practice. It encompasses a broad range of characteristics in the affective domain and is critical to the creation of effective EMS clinical and administrative teams. Prehospital clinicians play a unique role on the health care team. They are called to a variety of locations for serious illness or injury at a time a patient or a family member is experiencing a crisis in their lives. Patients trust EMS professionals to enter their home, to respect their autonomy, to provide expert medical care, and to transport them to the right place at the right time.Patient-centered care is the 'north star' for EMS clinicians and maintaining professionalism is the core value that allows for quality care of all patients 24/7/365. Under stressful conditions, EMS personnel must manage their attitudes, skills, and abilities to advocate for patients and provide the right interventions. Professional behavior at all levels of the EMS organizational structure leads to confidence in the system, support of the professionals providing care, promotion of teamwork within the health care continuum, public trust, a capable and sustainable workforce, and delivery of excellent patient care.The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) recommends:Professionalism should be a core competency of EMS practice for EMS clinicians, educators, medical directors, administrators, and support staff ("EMS personnel").Professionalism should provide the framework for prehospital clinical care and builds public trust in EMS systems.Professionalism should be incorporated in initial training and in continuing education for all levels of EMS professionals.Professional behaviors should be modeled by EMS administrative staff, educators, and medical directors.Professionalism should be incorporated into daily interactions of the EMS workforce with staff, colleagues, patients and families.Professionalism should be measured and incorporated into quality and performance improvement plans within EMS systems.