EMS Mythology

As EMS evolves, it is necessary to review medical practices and determine which of those benefit patients and which do not. The best way for such evaluation is through the principles of science and evidence-based medicine (EBM).1 When the scientific method is applied to EMS practices, some have shown benefit and some have not. Based on the results of scrutiny, practices that do not show significant patient benefit should be discarded, while practices that show enhanced benefit should be embraced. However, it is not that simple. Some scientific studies are better than others. Thus, a change in practice should only be made when the scientific evidence either supporting or refuting the practice is significant, which is determined by looking at the number, quality and types of scientific studies available. This series of articles will critically evaluate numerous EMS practices, with particular emphasis on those that have not stood up to scientific scrutiny. As an EMS provider, you should always question a practice or opinion and, when necessary, look at the scientific evidence yourself and form your own opinion.

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