August 2024 Update from the AMA: Heat Stroke, Physician-Paramedic Relationship, and the Role of EM in Rural Access to Care

Kailey Jacobson, MSIV - Nova Southeastern University EMRA MSC ACEP Delegate to the AMA MSS, 2024

For most, the Windy City is known for its beautiful architecture, good food, and iconic landmarks. However, to medical students, residents, and attendings, Chicago is the place where healthcare policy moves forward. This year's American Medical Association House of Delegates (AMA HOD) meeting was nothing short of energizing, exciting, and thought-provoking. Every year, students are invited to write and submit policy resolutions for consideration by the Medical Student Section (MSS). If passed, the resolutions are then presented to the House of Delegates—the physician, resident, and student body of the AMA—for consideration of adoption. These advocacy opportunities not only allow medical students to have their voices heard but are often the catalysts for shaping the future of healthcare on a national level.

Emergency Medicine Resolutions

In our roles, we sit on the EMRA Medical Student Council and represent ACEP at the AMA in the Medical Student Section. Every year, multiple resolutions are submitted pertaining to emergency medicine, and it is our job to review and provide feedback and, if needed, testimony during the meeting. This year, there were three resolutions of note with a heavy emphasis on closing the gap in rural healthcare:

1. Physician-paramedic relationship. This resolution highlighted the need for more crossover between emergency medicine physicians and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. The goal is to increase the level of care being provided to patients in our communities, specifically noting the need for more community paramedic programs in our rural and underserved areas. This resolution passed and will be submitted to the House of Delegates this November.
2. Rural access to physicians in ERs. This resolution addressed the increased need for physicians in rural areas and how emergency departments should be run by a qualified physician on site. Of note, a similar resolution was brought to the HOD last November, and the board is set to present a report on the issue this year. The outcome of this report will guide how we advocate and draft policy on this issue going forward, something the entire EM Council will be keeping a close eye on in the coming months.
3. Heat-related illnesses and treatment. Finally, our last EM resolution discussed guidelines set in place for heat-related illnesses, exploring what is currently followed and how we can improve them for the future. We found this resolution very pertinent to the emergency department since those suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion will be treated by first responders and in the emergency room. This resolution also passed and will go to the HOD in November.

Overall, it was a great success for the Medical Student Section. Two resolutions endorsed by the ACEP MSS delegates passed and will be brought forward for consideration in November! The MSS also brought resolutions to the HOD from the past few section meetings, with significant wins in physician safety and delivery of humanitarian aid in conflict zones. We are excited to see where the future of healthcare policy goes and how emergency medicine, as one of the newest members, continues to be the catalyst for progress.