How might information design be used to improve the emergency medical technician (EMT) education experience?

When I received my EMT certification, I was surprised to find that there were significant portions of the curriculum that were completely text-based. Students were expected to keep track of unfamiliar injuries so they could research them on their own after class. I visualized a common EMS process, known as the Rapid Trauma Assessment (RTA) and illustrated the various injuries to help students remember them more easily.

Process:

  • Research: Built upon my existing knowledge of the RTA and associated traumatic injuries. Identified resources to supplement the teaching tools I received during my EMT training.

  • Iterative data structuring: Evaluated the most intuitive method for displaying the information.

  • Illustration: To ensure a consistent visual language, created illustrations that clearly communicate the various disease states.

  • Evaluation: Underwent peer review and critique by Kristie Williams (former Vice President and Design Director at Siegel+Gale) to ensure all users could understand the visualization, regardless of medical knowledge.

  • Implementation: 2 years after project completion, the Los Angeles County Fire Department contacted me to trial this tool in a handout form.

“I’m not into giving sub-par lessons...[This] helps people be able to translate the process in a quick and easy-to-understand way.”
— Los Angeles Fire Department Instructor

Illustration Highlight

I created these illustrations with two goals: first communicating what the injury would look like and, second, creating a consistent visual language.

Pictured: Pelvic instability, paradoxical motion, and jugular deviation.

Outcome

Though this tool has never been marketed, the Los Angeles County Fire Department requested a handout of the tool for use in patient assessment drills. After trialing it, the instructor found it to be a valuable tool for helping new firefighter/EMTs visualize what to look for in each region of the body.

If interested in using this poster or the handout version for educational purposes, please contact me.