By Chidera Mordi

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems are critical in delivering prompt, life-saving care to individuals during medical crises. However, in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), these systems face several persistent challenges—workforce shortages, increasing service demand, poor communication and coordination, limited funding, and insufficient data systems. These barriers often lead to delayed or inadequate responses, resulting in preventable deaths, disabilities, and prolonged illness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to emphasize the need for strengthened EMS capacity. Dr. Khetrapal Singh, WHO South Asia Regional Director, notably stated, “In an emergency, the outcome of the response depends on how quickly the ‘right expertise’ reaches the right place at the right time to meet the needs of the affected people.” This underscores the importance of building a competent, well-equipped EMS workforce, especially in resource-limited settings.

One solution with growing relevance is the Learning Management System (LMS). Originally introduced in the late 1990s and widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, LMS platforms were initially developed for educational purposes. However, their application has since expanded into healthcare and emergency services. An LMS is a software solution that facilitates the delivery, documentation, tracking, and evaluation of training programs, making it an ideal tool for EMS improvement.

What LMS can do for EMS

• Structured and Standardized Training: An LMS can provide EMS personnel with access to structured courses and scenario-based simulations. These programs can help standardize triage protocols and ensure personnel consistently apply validated tools in real-life emergencies. Through regular assessments, EMS providers can track performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Communication Protocol Training: One major barrier to effective EMS delivery in LMICs is poor communication. An LMS can offer training modules focused on communication protocols—covering radio dispatch procedures, inter-agency coordination, and patient handoff practices. These skills are critical in high-pressure emergency situations, where clear, timely communication can save lives.
• Data Handling and Information Sharing: A robust LMS can also include training on electronic health records and best practices for real-time data sharing between EMS units and healthcare facilities. This ensures more accurate and timely transfer of patient information, supporting better continuity of care.
• Continuous Learning and Updates: As EMS protocols, technologies, and challenges evolve, continuous professional development becomes essential. LMS platforms allow EMS teams to stay updated with the latest procedures and tools—maintaining a workforce that is agile, informed, and ready to respond effectively to new or recurring public health threats.

A Model in Practice

In the United States, First Due—a software company—developed a dedicated fire and EMS Learning Management System. It offers a unified training platform tailored to first responders, supporting real-world preparedness and operational readiness. This model demonstrates the transformative potential of LMS adoption for EMS globally.

Improving the EMS landscape in low- and middle-income countries requires more than physical infrastructure—it demands a strategic investment in workforce development and preparedness. Learning Management Systems offer an innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solution to equip EMS personnel with the necessary expertise. By ensuring standardized training, improved communication, data proficiency, and continuous learning, LMS platforms can become a cornerstone in building more responsive and resilient EMS systems.

References

1. Basnawi, Abdullah. “Addressing challenges in EMS department operations: a comprehensive analysis of key issues and solution.” Emergency Care and Medicine1 (2023): 11-23.
2. World Health Organization. Strengthen Emergency Medical Teams for Better Response to Disasters: WHO. WHO South‑East Asia Region, 6 Sept. 2018. WHO, https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/06-09-2018-strengthen-emergency-medical-teams-for-better-response-to-disasters-who.
3. First Due. First Due for EMS. EMS Software Suite | EMS Software | EMS Cloud Software
4. Ellis, Ryann K. (2024), Field Guide to Learning Management, Quora, archived from the original on 24 August 2014, retrieved 5 July 2012
5. Davis, B., Carmean, C., & Wagner, E. (2009). “The Evolution of the LMS : From Management to Learning”. The ELearning Guild Research. 24.
6. Raza SA, Qazi W, Khan KA, Salam J (April 2021). “Social Isolation and Acceptance of the Learning Management System (LMS) in the time of COVID-19 Pandemic: An Expansion of the UTAUT Model”