The GEMS course helps EMS practitioners learn to conduct a comprehensive assessment of geriatric patients. Because the aging process affects all body systems, NAEMT’s course provides an overview of changes that occur as people age and describes how those changes can impact patient presentation. Incorporation of the GEMS Diamond (Geriatric, Environmental, Medical, and Social assessments) can help practitioners formulate a holistic diagnostic and treatment approach.
The third edition of GEMS addresses the following topics:
- Changes with age and assessment of the older patient
- Polypharmacy and Toxicity in Older Patients
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Cardiovascular Emergencies
- Trauma
- Other Medical Disorders
- Neurologic Emergencies
- Elder Maltreatment and Psychosocial Emergencies
- End-of-Life and Palliative Care
- Disaster Triage and Transporting Older Patients
- Left Ventricular Assist Devices
- Skin Disorders
- Ventilators
- Urinary Catheter and Colostomy Bag Care
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
The 8-hour course is appropriate for EMTs, paramedics, emergency medical responders, nurses, physician assistants and physicians. GEMS is accredited by CAPCE and recognized by NREMT.