EMS physicians as public spokespersons

Paul E. Pepe, Linda B. Pepe, Robert M. Davis, Paul Mann, Robin Whitmeyer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Whether engaged as an on-scene EMS physician, a practicing emergency department physician, an educator-researcher, a medical administrator, or serving in a host of other capacities, an EMS system medical director may be called upon to interview with the news media, address public officials, or speak to community leaders. In addition to topics that are directly pertinent to their rapidly evolving discipline, EMS physicians, as highly visible clinicians, often are solicited to render opinions about general medical issues facing the community. These issues can range from disaster management and environmental challenges to unusual disease outbreaks or day-to-day EMS incidents that become newsworthy or controversial. The authors of this chapter include a cadre of veteran news directors, news producers and reporters for print, radio, television, and internet-based communications working in concert with an EMS physician who has served as a public official and spokesperson for EMS for over three decades. The team reviews what they believe to be effective communication tools and the context for their use. They also provide "10 Golden Rules" for being a successful public spokesperson in this unique realm of patient advocacy and public health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMedical Oversight of EMS
Publisherwiley
Pages146-159
Number of pages14
Volume2
ISBN (Electronic)9781118990810
ISBN (Print)9781118865309
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 12 2015

Keywords

  • Advocacy
  • Communications
  • Disaster response
  • Media
  • Medical news
  • News
  • Public health education
  • Public information
  • Public speaking
  • Risk communication

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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