Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
Welcome to the Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Section of the Department of Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School.
Our section is composed of a diverse and experienced group of faculty who are actively engaged in all aspects of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and prehospital care. From operational medical direction and EMS fellowship education to disaster response and large-scale event medicine, our team plays a vital role in advancing the field.
Fellowship Experience and Field-Based Learning
Fellows in our ACGME-accredited EMS Fellowship gain real-world, hands-on experience through field training exercises, participation in disaster preparedness initiatives, and direct involvement in emergency response—such as ride-alongs with the Houston Fire Department (HFD), the largest EMS provider in Texas. These experiences offer insight into prehospital care at the highest levels of complexity and scale.
Our group provides operational medical direction to a wide range of EMS agencies, from large urban systems to smaller suburban services. Faculty collaborate closely with frontline providers, offering clinical oversight, education, and quality improvement guidance to ensure evidence-based care throughout our region.
Our faculty bring expertise in:
- Medical Direction
- Disaster Medicine
- Aeromedical EMS
- Tactical Medicine
- Event Medicine
- Prehospital Research and other specialized aspects of out-of-hospital care
EMS Education Across the Continuum
In addition to fellowship training, our section supports EMS education across all levels of medical training. We provide structured EMS experiences for emergency medicine residents and offer a robust EMS elective for medical students interested in exploring prehospital care. These learners gain exposure to 911 response systems, disaster preparedness planning, and EMS operations through direct field experience and dedicated mentorship from faculty.
Residents participate in on-scene field experiences, quality improvement initiatives, and EMS system reviews that enhance their understanding of the prehospital environment. Medical students benefit from curated “ride-alongs,” didactic sessions, and simulation-based scenarios that introduce the foundational principles of out-of-hospital medicine. Our goal is to foster early interest in EMS while ensuring all trainees develop a systems-based understanding of prehospital care’s vital role in the emergency care continuum.
Mass Gathering Medicine and Special Event Operations
We are proud to play an integral role in mass gathering medicine and special event operations, partnering with high-profile events such as IRONMAN triathlons, Super Bowls, NBA All-Star Games, NCAA Final Fours, the FIFA World Cup, and other major sporting and entertainment events.
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. These large-scale gatherings present unique challenges that demand meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and the ability to deliver rapid, effective medical care in dynamic and often unpredictable conditions.
Our faculty and fellows work closely with local EMS providers, event organizers, and emergency management teams to ensure comprehensive prehospital coverage. This hands-on involvement provides invaluable experience managing high-volume, fast-paced environments, enhancing skills in disaster preparedness, tactical medicine, and team-based emergency response. It is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced EMS principles in real-world settings where every second truly counts.
Thank you for visiting our section!
Use the navigation bar on the left to explore more, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or interest in our programs.