The DIEMS Project--for Database for International EMS Systems--is an attempt to create the most comprehensive international EMS database available on the Web. So far it contains information on systems in more than two dozen countries. Here the founder and president of Trek Medics International, Jason Friesen, BA, NREMT-P, a medic living in Connecticut, explains the basics of the project and how interested readers can help it grow.

What is the DIEMS Project?

The DIEMS Project is an attempt to create a single, comprehensive resource for information on international EMS efforts--in whatever shape or size they may come. The overall vision is to create a database that is both academic and community-driven. The "hard" information and data is taken only from reputable medical publications or system executives, while we encourage photos, links and first-person testimonials from field providers. Sometimes we get lucky and have both at the same time. This was the case with the Greece page, for instance, as we found an American named John Antoniades who was both a paramedic and the EMS director in Athens.

How did the DIEMS Project start?

The idea came about at the same time, and in the same way, that Trek Medics International (a nonprofit dedicated to developing EMS in underserved countries) did: a lack of resources, knowledge and opportunities to get involved in foreign EMS systems. Healthcare, like law and education, is one of those "backstage passes" that can help you get a job anywhere in the world. This should be especially true for EMS providers, considering the high incidence of road traffic injuries in low-income countries and the proven effectiveness of BLS trauma care. I recently read that low-income countries own 48% of the world's vehicles, but carry 90% of the global burden of road traffic injuries. These are really frightening statistics for countries that are trying to progress and develop. But the truth is that there are only a few global health initiatives involved in prehospital trauma care, despite the fact that injury is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The majority of the initiatives are dedicated to HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB, which are noble causes, but not the entire story.