The Academy of Medicine Southwest Ohio Prehospital Care Committee

Mission: 

To ensure high-quality, equitable access to prehospital emergency medical care for the Greater Cincinnati community.

Our Work:

Historically, widely varying protocols among local EMS departments led to significant disparities in the quality of emergency medical care for the community.  To combat this, EMS leaders came together under the Academy of Medicine in the late 1970’s to form a volunteer committee dedicated to building a best-practice, unified set of clinical protocols. 

Each year, this committee of EDS Medical Directors, Paramedics, Fire Chiefs, and Academy representatives:

• Issue evidence-based, updated protocols for implementation and training across the region. 
• Conduct an Emergency Department Capabilities Survey for distribution to all EMS services
• Support adherence to protocols and training through site visits at EMS departments

The Impact:

Today, The Southwest Ohio Prehospital Care Protocols have been utilized at over 70 area EMS departments for over 40 years. In 2024, Kentucky and Indiana formally adopted these protocols for use across their states.

Why Your Support Matters:

This committee has continued without funding for years thanks to the dedication by countless EMS leaders. Funding support through The Academy Foundation helps us continue and expand these operations to make even greater impact on the health of our city.