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EDITORIAL |
https://doi.org/10.5005/njem-11015-0005
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From Crisis to Care: The Spectacular Evolution of Emergency Medicine in India
Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Mehta’s Multispeciality Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Society for Emergency Medicine, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Quality and Patient Safety Special Interest Group (IFEM); Speciality Implementation Committee (IFEM), West Melbourne, Australia
Corresponding Author: Saravana Kumar, Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Mehta’s Multispeciality Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Phone: +919486668575, e-mail: drsaravanakumar.ep@gmail.com
How to cite this article: Kumar S. From Crisis to Care: The Spectacular Evolution of Emergency Medicine in India. Natl J Emerg Med 2023;1(1):1–7.
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None
Emergency medicine is a specialised field of medical practice that deals with the urgent evaluation and management of patients who present with acute illnesses or injuries. In India, emergency medicine is a relatively new field, with its origins dating back to the early 1990s. Before the introduction of emergency medicine as a specialised discipline, emergency care was usually provided by general practitioners or specialists who were not specifically trained in emergency medicine. This lack of specialised training often led to delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and poorer outcomes for patients.
The formal introduction of emergency medicine as a specialised discipline in India began in 1995. This programme was designed to provide physicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage acute medical and traumatic emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe infections, severe injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. The programme was comprehensive, covering topics, such as trauma care, critical care, toxicology, resuscitation, and emergency procedures.
Since the introduction of emergency medicine as a speciality in India, it has slowly but steadily gained recognition and acceptance. Over the years, emergency medicine has become an increasingly important component of the Indian health care system. There are also professional organisations like the Society for Emergency Medicine India (SEMI) that promote research, education, and training in emergency medicine.
Despite the progress made in recent years, emergency medicine still faces many challenges in India. These include a shortage of trained emergency physicians, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, and a lack of standardised protocols for the management of emergencies. However, with ongoing efforts to improve training, infrastructure, and research in emergency medicine, the field is expected to continue to grow and evolve in India, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients and a more robust health care system overall.
Emergency care in India before the 1990s resulted in suboptimal care for critically ill or injured patients and higher mortality rates as there was no structure or process for managing such cases in Indian Hospitals. Therefore, a formal emergency course was needed and was seen as a crucial step towards improving emergency care and reducing mortality rates. Here are some key points which led to a formal emergency medicine training course and the growth of the emergency medicine speciality in India:
Increasing incidence of emergencies: With the increasing incidence of emergencies, such as road accidents, natural disasters, and medical emergencies, there was a need for trained professionals who could provide timely and effective care to patients. This led to the establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes to meet the growing demand for trained emergency care providers.
Lack of trained professionals: Before the establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes, emergency care was often provided by general practitioners or other specialists who lacked specific training in emergency medicine. This led to suboptimal care for critically ill or injured patients. The establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes aimed to fill this gap and train professionals specifically in the management of emergencies.
High mortality rates: Due to the lack of trained professionals and inadequate emergency care infrastructure, mortality rates for critically ill or injured patients were high in India. The establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes aimed to improve the quality of emergency care and reduce mortality rates.
Need for standardised protocols: Emergency medicine involves the use of standardised protocols for the management of emergencies. Before the establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes, there was no standardisation of protocols for emergency care in India. The establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes aimed to introduce standardised protocols for the management of emergencies, thereby improving the quality of emergency care.
Integration with the health care system: Emergency care is an integral part of the health care system. The establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes aimed to integrate emergency care with the health care system and provide a seamless continuum of care to patients.
Professionalisation of emergency care: The establishment of formal emergency medicine training programmes aimed to professionalise emergency care and create a cadre of trained professionals who could provide specialised care to critically ill or injured patients. This would lead to a higher standard of emergency care in India.
Post-inception of emergency medicine as a speciality, numerous medical facilities and institutions throughout India have endeavoured to incorporate formal training in emergency medicine and erect emergency departments.
In recent years, the growth of emergency medicine in India has been driven by several factors, including:
Increasing demand for emergency care: With the growth of India’s economy and the urbanisation of its population, the demand for emergency care has increased significantly. This has led to the development of new emergency departments and the expansion of existing ones.
Increased funding: The Indian government has recognised the importance of emergency medicine and has allocated more funding to support its growth. This has allowed for the development of new training programmes, research initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
International collaboration: Many Indian emergency medicine specialists have received training abroad and have brought back their expertise to India. International collaboration has also led to the development of joint research projects and training programmes.
Development of new emergency departments: With the increasing demand for emergency care, many new emergency departments have been developed in India in recent years. These departments are equipped with modern facilities and staffed by trained professionals who specialise in emergency medicine. This has led to a significant improvement in the quality of emergency care provided to patients.
Expansion of existing emergency departments: In addition to the development of new emergency departments, existing emergency departments have also been expanded to meet the growing demand for emergency care. This has included the addition of new facilities and the recruitment of more staff.
Increased focus on research: The growth of emergency medicine in India has also been driven by an increased focus on research. Many new research initiatives have been launched to explore various aspects of emergency care, including the use of new technologies and treatments. This has led to the development of new approaches to emergency care and has helped to improve outcomes for patients.
Expansion of training programmes: To meet the growing demand for trained emergency care providers, many new training programmes have been developed in India in recent years. These programmes offer specialised training in emergency medicine and help to produce a new generation of professionals who are well-equipped to provide high-quality emergency care.
Adoption of new technologies: The growth of emergency medicine in India has also been facilitated by the adoption of new technologies. This has included the use of advanced medical equipment and technologies such as telemedicine to improve the quality of emergency care provided to patients.
Development of new protocols: The development of new protocols for emergency care has also played a key role in the growth of emergency medicine in India. These protocols provide a standardised approach to the management of emergencies and help to ensure that patients receive high-quality care regardless of where they are treated.
Improved public awareness: The growth of emergency medicine in India has also been driven by improved public awareness of the importance of emergency care. This has led to increased demand for emergency care services and has helped to drive the growth of emergency medicine in India.
Despite these positive developments, there are still significant challenges facing emergency medicine in India. Here are a few critical challenges that continue to be faced by emergency medicine in India.
CHALLENGES FACING EMERGENCY MEDICINE IN INDIA
Shortage of Trained Emergency Medicine Specialists
One of the most significant challenges facing emergency medicine in India is the shortage of trained emergency medicine specialists. The majority of emergency departments are still staffed by general practitioners or other specialists who are not specifically trained in emergency medicine and some cases even an alternate medicine specialist is not qualified in the allopathic system of medicine. According to a recent survey by SEMI, there are only 36 MD/DNB emergency medicine training programmes in India, with a total of 158 candidates per year and about 300–400 candidates enrolling for various other certificate training programmes run by societies, overseas universities and colleges and all together, in a given year, a total of 250 trained/certified emergency physicians become available in India which is insufficient to meet the huge demand for emergency physicians. The Society for Emergency Medicine India estimates that at this rate, we may need 40 more years to fill the existing need for the country.
Such a severe shortage of trained specialists can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment, which can be life-threatening for critically ill or injured patients.
Lack of Standardisation in Emergency Care
Another challenge facing emergency medicine in India is the lack of standardisation in emergency care. There is significant variability in the quality of care provided across different hospitals and regions. This variability can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of standardised protocols for emergency care, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of trained personnel. Furthermore, the quality of emergency care is often influenced by factors, such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and availability of resources.
Lack of Coordination between Health care Facilities
In addition to the shortage of trained specialists and lack of standardisation, emergency medicine in India is also facing challenges related to the lack of coordination between emergency departments and other health care facilities, such as primary care clinics and speciality hospitals. This lack of coordination can lead to delays in treatment and unnecessary hospitalisations, which can have serious consequences for critically ill or injured patients.
Shortage of Essential Medical Equipment and Supplies
Emergency medicine in India is also facing a shortage of essential medical equipment and supplies, such as ventilators, oxygen cylinders, and defibrillators. According to a survey conducted by the Indian Medical Association, over 80% of doctors reported a shortage of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage can have serious consequences for critically ill or injured patients, particularly during a pandemic.
CHALLENGES RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The pandemic has put immense pressure on emergency departments, with a significant increase in the number of patients requiring urgent care. According to a report published by the Indian Council of Medical Research, there were 100,000 emergency department visits per day in India during the peak of the pandemic. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and resources, including PPE, testing kits, and isolation facilities.
EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Addressing the challenges facing emergency medicine in India will require a concerted effort from policymakers, health care providers, and the wider community. Efforts to address these challenges include:
Improving the Quality of Emergency Care
One of the most important steps in addressing the challenges facing emergency medicine in India is to improve the quality of emergency care. This can be achieved through the development of standardised protocols, training programmes for emergency medicine specialists, and investments in infrastructure and resources. In India, approximately 60% of the health care is provided by the private sector for approx. 40% population and about 30–40% of public sector hospitals provide care to 60% of the population. Emergency medicine in the private sector is growing at a significant rate and with the new NMC and government vision to set up emergency medicine departments in all medical colleges before 2024, we will witness significant growth in both government and private sectors of health care.
Increasing the Number of Trained Emergency Medicine Specialists
To address the shortage of trained emergency medicine specialists, efforts are underway to increase the number of training programmes and seats in India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also launched a scheme to train 15,000 emergency medical technicians by 2022.
Many states and universities have established EMT specialist training programmes, and Health Sector Skill Council (HSSC) has introduced an EMT Advanced and Basic Programme under National Skill Development Corporation.
Private entities like EMRI, Medical Colleges, such as Sri Ramachandra Medical College Chennai, Vinayaka Missions Medical College Salem, and Private Hospitals like Dr Mehta’s Hospitals, Chennai have successfully implemented emergency paramedic training programmes for over a decade now.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Resources
To address the shortage of essential medical equipment and supplies, efforts are needed to enhance the infrastructure and resources available in emergency departments across the country. This can include investments in advanced medical technology, such as CT scanners and MRI machines, and ensuring that emergency departments have access to essential medications and supplies.
Additionally, efforts are needed to improve the physical infrastructure of emergency departments, such as ensuring adequate space and resources for patient care, improving sanitation and hygiene, and ensuring that emergency departments are equipped with reliable power and water supply.
Strengthening Coordination between Health care Facilities
To address the lack of coordination between emergency departments and other health care facilities, efforts are underway to improve communication and coordination between health care providers. This can be achieved through the development of referral networks and the use of technology, such as telemedicine.
Increasing Public Awareness
Another important step in addressing the challenges facing emergency medicine in India is to increase public awareness about the importance of emergency care. This can be achieved through public health campaigns and educational programmes aimed at increasing awareness of emergency care services and when to seek them.
Strengthening the Health care System as a Whole
Addressing the challenges facing emergency medicine in India also requires a broader effort to strengthen the health care system as a whole. This includes investing in health care infrastructure, increasing the number of health care providers, and improving access to essential medical equipment and supplies.
Emergency medicine is a rapidly developing field in India due to the increase in road accidents, natural calamities, and other medical emergencies. With the growing demand for specialised medical care for such emergencies, the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the National Board of Examinations (NBE) have recognised emergency medicine as a separate speciality.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Currently, several medical colleges in India offer a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree with an integrated clinical rotation in emergency medicine. The duration of the course is usually five and a half years, including a 1-year internship. The syllabus of the undergraduate course in emergency medicine includes subjects, such as trauma care, resuscitation, critical care, and disaster management.
POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
The NBE offers a 3-year postgraduate course in emergency medicine. The syllabus of the course includes the study of emergency medicine, emergency medical services, and disaster management. The course also includes training in critical care, trauma care, and resuscitation. The NBE conducts a national level examination, which is mandatory for the certification of emergency medicine specialists.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMMES
Bodies like the SEMI, GW University USA, and Alfred-Monash University Australia with SEMI have developed training and certification programmes for emergency medicine specialists in India. The certification programme includes both theoretical and practical training. The theoretical training covers the study of emergency medicine, trauma care, resuscitation, critical care, and disaster management. The practical training involves hands-on training in emergency care, including trauma care, resuscitation, and critical care. The certification programme also includes full-time training in the emergency department varying from 6 months to 3 years, which provides practical training in a hospital setting.
Many institutions offer training programmes for Royal College Membership Examinations of the UK and subsequent pathways to do further fellowship training in the UK.
SCOPE AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
With the increasing demand for emergency medical care, the scope of emergency medicine in India is growing rapidly. Emergency medicine specialists can work in hospitals, trauma centres, and emergency medical services. They can also work as consultants for disaster management agencies and in the armed forces. The job opportunities for emergency medicine specialists are expected to grow in the coming years and there are ample job opportunities for emergency medicine specialists in various sectors.
Overall, the evolution of emergency medicine in India has been a gradual but positive one. Whilst there are still significant challenges to overcome, the growth of the speciality has the potential to greatly improve the quality of emergency care in India and save countless lives.
SOCIETY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICINE INDIA
Society for Emergency Medicine India is a non-profit organisation in India that was established in 1999 to promote the growth and development of emergency medicine in the country. The SEMI board is made up of a group of professionals who are passionate about improving the quality of emergency medical services in India. Through its various affiliations and collaborations with other organisations, SEMI has been able to make significant contributions to the field of emergency medicine in India. Here is an overview of SEMI and its affiliations and collaborations.
Board Members: The SEMI board is composed of experienced emergency medicine professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics. The board members are responsible for overseeing the organisation’s operations, developing policies and strategies, and making decisions that are in the best interest of the organisation.
Affiliations: Society for Emergency Medicine India is affiliated with several national and international organisations that are dedicated to promoting emergency medicine and improving emergency medical services. Society for Emergency Medicine India is a full member of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM), and the Asian Society for Emergency Medicine (ASEM).
Collaborations: Society for Emergency Medicine India has collaborated with various organisations to promote emergency medicine and improve emergency medical services in the country. Some of its collaborations include:
− Government Organisations: Society for Emergency Medicine India works closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other government organisations to develop policies and guidelines for emergency medicine, Impart training courses like SEMI – National Trauma Life Support (NTLS), Faculty Training, etc.
− Medical Colleges and Hospitals: Society for Emergency Medicine India has collaborated with several medical colleges and hospitals across India to establish emergency medicine departments and develop training programmes for emergency medicine professionals.
− International Organisations: Society for Emergency Medicine India has collaborated with several international organisations, national societies, and experts from over 31 countries so far to promote emergency medicine and to share knowledge and expertise.
Committees: Society for Emergency Medicine India has several committees that are responsible for carrying out specific tasks and functions. These committees include the Education Committee, Research Committee, Disaster Management Committee, Advocacy Committee, Paediatric SIG, Curriculum and Training Committee, Students Welfare, and more.
Training Programmes: Society for Emergency Medicine India offers about 23 training programmes for emergency medical professionals and doctors/nurses/allied health professionals including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses, Leadership, Law and ethics, Trauma, Paediatric emergency medicine and resuscitation, Best practices in EM, Toxicology.
Research Initiatives: Society for Emergency Medicine India is involved in several research initiatives that aim to improve the understanding and management of emergency medical conditions in India. It has published several research papers and guidelines on topics, such as trauma management, cardiac arrest, and stroke. One of our key areas of research is on improving quality and patient safety in emergency medicine with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Association of Health Care Providers India (AHPI).
Advocacy: Society for Emergency Medicine India is actively involved in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of emergency medicine and to promote the development of emergency medical services in India. It works with various stakeholders, including the media and the government, to promote its advocacy efforts.
Society for Emergency Medicine India, as a national organisation, has divided itself into 16 state chapters to ensure better coordination and implementation of its programmes and activities across the country. Each state chapter has its own set of office bearers and members, who work together to promote the development of emergency medicine in their respective states. Well-established SEMI’s state chapters are located in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Odisha, Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and more states, such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Assam, Puducherry are soon forming their state chapters.
Each state chapter of SEMI India has a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Members. These office bearers are elected every 2 years, and they are responsible for organising activities and events at the state level. The establishment of state chapters has been a crucial step in SEMI’s efforts to improve emergency medical care across India. These chapters serve as local points of contact for emergency medical professionals and provide a platform for collaboration, education, and advocacy. They organise various training programmes, workshops, and conferences to provide continuing medical education (CME) opportunities for emergency medicine professionals. For instance, the Delhi chapter organised the Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) in 2019, which was attended by over 2500 health care professionals from India and abroad with then-honorable Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu inaugurating the event.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India’s state chapters engage with government agencies, hospitals, and other stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that can improve emergency medical care in their respective states. The Karnataka chapter, for instance, has been working with the state government to develop a comprehensive emergency medical services (EMS) system. Society for Emergency Medicine India’s state chapters undertake research projects and publish articles and papers on emergency medicine topics. The Tamil Nadu and Puducherry chapters, for example, published a paper on the epidemiology of trauma in the region, which was presented at the National Conference on Emergency Medicine in 2018.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India’s state chapters also undertake various community outreach activities to raise awareness about emergency medicine and promote healthy and safe practices. The Gujarat chapter, for instance, organised a road safety awareness campaign in collaboration with the state police department and the Delhi chapter ran each one save one campaign.
In addition to these activities, SEMI’s state chapters also collaborate with other emergency medicine organisations to share best practices, resources, and expertise. For instance, the Delhi chapter collaborated with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to organise a trauma management workshop in 2019 and the SEMI National Board hosted a series of workshops across Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad in 2020 before the onset of the pandemic on Quality, Gender equality, Disaster, Technology in EM with International Federation of Emergency Medicine.
Overall, SEMI’s state chapters have been instrumental in promoting and advancing emergency medicine in India. Through their various activities and initiatives, these chapters are helping to build a robust emergency medical care system that can meet the needs of the country’s growing population.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India’s mission is to promote the highest standards of patient care in emergency medicine by providing education, training, and research opportunities for its members. The organisation hosts annual conferences, workshops, and CME programmes for its members, in addition to publishing a triannual journal, the National Journal of Emergency Medicine.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India is a national organisation for emergency medicine that has over 4000 members, including health care professionals, emergency medicine specialists, and students. These members are spread across the country and represent a diverse group of people who are dedicated to promoting the development of emergency medicine in India. Here are some of the key features and benefits of SEMI’s membership:
Professional Development: SEMI membership provides access to various educational and training programmes, workshops, and conferences. These programmes are designed to enhance the professional development of health care professionals and emergency medicine specialists, providing them with the latest knowledge and skills in the field.
Networking: SEMI membership provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with other emergency medicine professionals in India. Members can connect with others who share similar interests and concerns, exchange ideas and information, and collaborate on research projects and other initiatives.
Recognition and Awards: SEMI recognises the contributions of its members and provides awards and recognition for those who have made significant contributions to the field of emergency medicine. For example, the SEMI Young Investigator Award recognises the best research paper presented by a young investigator during SEMI’s annual conference.
With over 4000 members, SEMI India’s membership base represents a strong and dedicated community of emergency medicine professionals working towards a common goal of improving emergency care services in India.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India was founded in 1999 to improve the delivery of emergency medical care in India. Since its inception, SEMI has strived to enhance the quality of emergency medicine and support the development of EMS in the country and now SEMI celebrating its 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary of excellence in the field of emergency medicine in October 2023.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India has also been active in the field of disaster management. The organisation has provided relief and support in various natural disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. SEMI has worked with the government and other organisations to develop disaster management plans and response protocols. The organisation has conducted various campaigns to educate the public about the importance of emergency medical services and how to access them. SEMI has also organised conferences and seminars to promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge amongst emergency medical professionals.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India also hosts an annual conference, the National Conference on Emergency Medicine (EMCON), which is the largest emergency medicine conference in India. The conference provides a platform for emergency medical professionals to share their research, knowledge, and experiences, as well as to network and collaborate with peers.
One of the SEMI’s key initiatives is the promotion of standardised training and certification for emergency medicine specialists. The organisation offers several training programmes, including the National Cardiac Life Support (NCLS) and NTLS courses. SEMI also offers a fellowship programme in emergency medicine, which is aimed at training the next generation of emergency medicine specialists in India.
Another remarkable and noteworthy aspect to allude to is that SEMI is associated with two Guinness World Records for organising the largest mass training programme in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the largest mass training programme in first aid. The Society for Emergency Medicine India’s initiatives to set Guinness World Records for mass CPR and first aid training programmes have helped to raise awareness about the importance of emergency care and to promote the development of emergency medicine in India. By involving large numbers of people from diverse backgrounds, SEMI has helped to build a culture of emergency preparedness and has empowered individuals to take an active role in responding to emergencies.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India has established over 100 SEMI Centres of Emergency Medicine Excellence (SCEME) departments across India to promote the development of emergency medicine as a recognised medical speciality. These centres are recognised for their commitment to delivering high-quality emergency care and for their contributions to advancing emergency medicine education and research.
SEMI’s MEM-CCTEM programme has been successful in establishing emergency medicine departments in several hospitals across India. For example, the MEM-CCTEM programme has helped to establish emergency medicine departments in hospitals, such as Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Health care, Narayana Health, and Manipal Hospitals, amongst others. These departments are staffed by emergency medicine physicians and nurses who are trained in the latest techniques and protocols for emergency care.
SEMI’s MEM-CCTEM programme also supports the development of emergency medicine training programmes and courses across India. The programme offers a range of training programmes for emergency medicine physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, including courses on trauma care, advanced life support, and disaster management.
The Society for Emergency Medicine India (SEMI) has collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Association of Health care Providers India (AHPI) to publish the first-ever quality standards guideline for emergency services in India. This collaboration is the first of its kind in India and aims to enhance the quality and safety of emergency care services across the country.
The guideline is titled ‘Quality Upgradation by Enabling Space Technology – Health QUEST’ and provides a comprehensive framework for developing and maintaining high-quality emergency care services. The guideline is designed to apply to a variety of emergency care settings, including hospitals, primary care centres, and standalone emergency care facilities.
The guideline covers a range of topics related to emergency care, including:
Infrastructure and equipment requirements.
Personnel requirements, including training and certification.
Patient safety protocols and guidelines.
Standard operating procedures for emergency care services.
Quality control and monitoring measures.
Disaster management protocols and guidelines.
Medical records and documentation guidelines.
The guideline also emphasises the importance of collaboration and communication between different stakeholders involved in emergency care services, including health care providers, EMS personnel, and government agencies.
The development of the QUEST guideline involved extensive research and consultation with experts in ISRO and emergency medicine.
SEMI, ISRO, and AHPI are committed to promoting the adoption of the QUEST guideline across India and are providing training and support to health care providers and facilities to help them implement the guidelines effectively. The goal of this collaboration is to improve the quality and safety of emergency care services in India and ensure that all patients receive timely and effective emergency care.
One example of the guideline’s impact is its influence on the development of emergency medicine departments in hospitals across India. Many hospitals have used the guideline to develop and improve their emergency medicine services, including the implementation of standardised clinical protocols, the adoption of advanced technologies and equipment, and the training and development of emergency medicine staff which is evident in a recent multi-centric study conducted by ISRO-SEMI and AHPI on the QUEST guidelines implementation outcomes.
In addition to its impact on health care providers, the quality standards guideline has also had a broader impact on emergency care policy and advocacy in India. The guideline has been widely recognised as a key resource for policymakers and health care leaders in shaping the future of emergency care in India and has been cited in a range of policy and advocacy documents related to emergency medicine.
Overall, SEMI’s collaboration with ISRO and AHPI to develop the quality standards guideline represents a significant milestone in the development of emergency care in India.
One of SEMI’s key programmes is its First Aid and CPR training programme. The programme aims to equip people with the necessary skills to provide emergency care in the event of an accident or medical emergency. The programme includes training in basic life support techniques, such as CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Since the launch of the programme, SEMI has trained more than 3 lakh people in First Aid and CPR. This is a significant achievement, as it means that a large number of people in India now have the skills and knowledge to respond to emergencies and potentially save lives.
The training is provided through a network of SEMI-trained instructors who are based across India. The instructors are trained in SEMI’s curriculum and are equipped to provide hands-on training to participants. The training is conducted in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, workplaces, and community centres.
SEMI’s First Aid and CPR programme has received recognition from various organisations, including the Indian Red Cross Society, the National Disaster Management Authority, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The programme has also been recognised by the World Health Organisation as an important initiative in improving emergency medical care in India.
One of the key achievements of SEMI is the training of over 5,000 doctors in emergency care skills. This training is essential as emergency medical care is a critical component of health care delivery and requires specialised skills and knowledge. SEMI’s training programmes focus on various aspects of emergency medicine, including trauma management, cardiac arrest, paediatric emergencies, and disaster management. The training is designed to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality emergency medical care to patients.
In addition to training doctors, SEMI has also trained over 40,000 health care workers in emergency care skills. This training is crucial as health care workers, including nurses and paramedics, play a critical role in emergency medical care. SEMI’s training programmes for health care workers cover a range of topics, including basic life support, advanced life support, and first aid. The training is designed to ensure that health care workers have the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality emergency medical care to patients.
SEMI’s training programmes are conducted by experienced emergency medicine specialists and are recognised by medical authorities in India. The training programmes are also accredited by international bodies such as the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council. SEMI’s training programmes have received widespread recognition for their quality and effectiveness, and have contributed significantly to the improvement of emergency medical care in India.
SEMI’s achievement of training over 5,000 doctors and 40,000 health care workers in emergency care skills is a testament to its commitment to improving emergency medical care in India. SEMI’s training programmes are of high quality and have received recognition from medical authorities and international bodies. The organisation’s efforts have contributed significantly to the improvement of emergency medical care in India, and its work is essential in ensuring that patients receive quality emergency medical care when they need it.
In conclusion, SEMI has made significant contributions to the development of emergency medicine in India over the past 25 years. The organisation has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of emergency medical care and establish a comprehensive system of emergency medical services. SEMI’s efforts have been recognised both nationally and internationally, and the organisation remains committed to its mission of promoting excellence in emergency medicine in India.
The Journey of EM has been spectacular so far and we welcome you to experience that in person at the 25th Silver Jubilee celebrations of SEMI and EM in India and the 25th International Emergency Medicine Conference EMCON 2023 from 26 to 29 October 2023 at HICC Novotel Hyderabad.
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