.jfif){kind=avatar}
Social workers are impactful members of society that posses a unique blend of qualities that make them essential in supporting individuals and entire communities. Every social worker is different, allowing them to excel in different areas, but empathy is a core attribute that can be found in every single one of them. The connection they forge using this skill allows them to genuinely understand and relate to the people they serve, helping build trust and encouraging communication between themselves and their clients.
Obviously, these skill sets would translate well into the healthcare system, particularly in emergency medical services (EMS). In these high stress environments, social workers can provide critical support during crises, helping individuals navigate the complex emotions that arise in medical emergencies. Their communication skills also greatly aid in communicating with patients, families, and medical staff, helping to ensure that everyone involved understands the situation to lower any unnecessary stress. This is especially important after traumatic injuries, where uncertainty and fear dominate individuals' emotional spectrum. Social workers can provide important crisis intervention and support to both the patient and their family and loved ones, helping individuals or entire families process grief, anxiety, or trauma itself by offering coping strategies and referrals to additional mental health services.
Beyond assisting emotionally, social workers can aid EMS in their ability to perform comprehensive assessments of patients' social determinants of health. Examples include housing stability, access to transportation, and family support, all of which are crucial for effective care and recovery. Social workers can identify these factors quickly, which means fast interventions and supplying of resources, such as connecting families with food, shelter, or counseling. Similarly, social workers can teach EMS workers and help them integrate some vital practices into EMS practices, helping first responders better understand the cultural and social contexts of the communities they serve. This fosters trust and cooperation, hopefully prompting individuals to seek help before situations escalate into emergencies.
For these reasons and more, the City of Cincinnati, Ohio is seeking proposals to provide comprehensive social services program to assist the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Bureau in managing patient cases with EMS use and/or cases where emergency medical attention is not required. The inclusion of social workers in MES is not just beneficial but essential for creating a more compassionate and effective healthcare system. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes October 22, 2024 at 3:00 PM EDT.
