How can EMS educators and leaders help prevent bias in patient care? One way is to make the unconscious conscious.
In this episode of The EMS Educator podcast, hosts Rob Lawrence and Hilary Gates, MAEd, NRP, welcome guests Katie O’Connor, EMS educator and simulation expert in LA County and Washington D.C.’s GWU; and Sahaj Khalsa, Santa Fe (New Mexico) Community College’s EMS program director. Prodigy’s Medical Director, Maia Dorsett, MD, PhD, FAEMS, FACEP, also weighs in.
Our guests discuss the importance of definitions, why words matter and the prevalence of bias in simulation (racial, age, gender, etc.).
They give tips on how to normalize the discussion, destigmatize bias and not always use white male manikins.
If you’re an educator, chief or EMS employer, look at your data around this issue. Look at your scenarios and what they are reinforcing. Your clinicians will respond and improve.
Read more:
What EMS leaders need to know about unconscious bias
Understanding your unconscious biases will make hiring decisions, disciplinary choices, relationships and clinical care more equitable
Get in touch with our guests:
- Sahaj Khalsa: @ssk040
- Katie O’Connor: @kathleenoco
Maia Dorsett: maiadorsett@gmail.com
This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life. Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? Visit emsgiveslife.org for more info. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program. Earn a $1,000 reward for your best talks. Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.