The EMS Center of Excellence is proud to partner with the following agencies to provide expert medical direction through our skilled physicians.
- Nashville Fire Department
- Murfreesboro Fire department
- Mount Juliet Fire department
- Trousdale EMS
- Nashville Zoo
- BNA airport
- Vanderbilt LifeFlight
- Natchez trace Parkway
What is an EMS Medical Director?
An EMS Medical Director is a physician responsible for overseeing the medical aspects of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Their primary role is to ensure that the care provided by EMS personnel (e.g., EMTs, paramedics) is safe, effective, and consistent with current medical standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Medical Oversight: Develops and approves protocols, procedures, and standing orders that EMS personnel follow during patient care.
2. Training and Education: Participates in the training and ongoing education of EMS providers to ensure proficiency in medical knowledge and skills.
3. Quality Assurance: Reviews EMS system performance through patient care documentation, outcomes, and clinical audits to maintain high standards of care.
4. Clinical Guidance: Provides real-time or offline medical direction during complex or critical cases.
In short, the EMS Medical Director acts as the bridge between emergency medical providers and the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive the best care in pre-hospital settings.
If you would like to learn more or have any questions about medical direction, please reach out to
Eric Clauss at eric.clauss@vumc.org