[Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians] Report on Holding of Medical Transport Safety Measures Workshop

The Medical Transport Safety Measures Working Group of the Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians (JSEM) held a "Medical Transport Safety Measures Workshop" in June 2026, with the aim of improving the safety and quality of patient transport utilizing hospital ambulances. The workshop was held at Toda Chuo Medical Care Group.

In recent years, the number of emergency responses nationwide has continued to increase, and the strain on fire departments' emergency transport systems has become a social issue. Amidst this situation, hospital ambulances operated by medical institutions are attracting attention as important resources for inter-facility transfers and medical transport.

However, the educational systems and standardized training opportunities for the operation of hospital ambulances are not yet sufficient, and the establishment of a safe operational system is required.

To address these challenges, the Medical Transport Safety Measures Working Group of the Emergency Medical Services Committee of the Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians conducted a practical workshop for medical professionals engaged in hospital ambulance operations.

[Workshop Overview]

Date: June 5, 2026 (Fri) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Venue: Toda Chuo General Hospital (Toda City, Saitama Prefecture)

Number of Participants: 24

Date: June 13, 2026 (Sat) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Venue: Sasa General Hospital (Nishitokyo City, Tokyo)

Number of Participants: 23

A total of 47 hospital staff involved in the operation of hospital ambulances participated.

[Workshop Content]

The workshop combined lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for operating hospital ambulances.

Lectures: Emergency Driving and Vehicle Operation

Road Traffic Laws for Emergency Vehicles

Evidence for Emergency Driving

Procedures for Driving with Caution

Accident Response and Stopping Positions

Public Announcements via Microphone

Lectures: Patient Management Practices

Procedures for Inspecting Vehicle Equipment

Actual Conditions of Patient Transport

Regarding Medical Fee Revisions

Group Discussion

Case studies of near-miss incidents during driving

Practical Skills

Vehicle Guidance

Stretcher Operation

[Future Outlook]

The Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians is working to standardize educational programs and develop training systems for hospital ambulances, aiming for widespread adoption by medical institutions nationwide.

We will continue our efforts to ensure the safe operation of hospital ambulances and improve the quality of transport medicine, contributing to the creation of an environment where people can receive medical care with peace of mind in their communities.

<About the Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians>

The Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians (JSEM) aims to improve the quality of emergency medical care based on the expertise of emergency medical technicians, promote an environment where the happiness of the public can be pursued, and contribute to the safety and security of the public by developing and expanding the field of emergency care and rescue to meet all societal needs.

<Background of the Establishment of the Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians>

Since the enactment of the Emergency Medical Services Act in 1991, the environment surrounding emergency medical technicians has changed significantly.

Due to the increase in the number of transported patients caused by aging and the growing demand for emergency medical care, as well as the aim to reduce the workload of doctors and other medical professionals, the Emergency Medical Services Act was revised in 2021, expanding their scope of activity to within medical institutions.

In today's rapidly changing society where the roles expected of emergency medical technicians are rapidly expanding and changing, the "Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians" was established to respond to these needs, promote professional development, and consolidate the consensus of emergency medical technicians.

<Regarding the Relationship between this Society and Labor Rights (Civil Servants) and the Local Public Service Act>

This society does not engage in activities related to the labor rights of public servants (right to organize, right to collective bargaining, right to strike). Furthermore, to avoid actions that violate the Local Public Service Act, we have confirmed with the Fire and Disaster Management Agency's Emergency Services Planning Division and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Public Service Department (confirmed in August 2023) that it is "not a violation of the Local Public Service Act" for individual emergency medical technicians who are local public servants (firefighters) to join this society.

Related Provisions of the Local Public Service Act and [This Society's Policy]

Article 36, Paragraph 1 (Restrictions on Political Activities) [Will not engage in political activities or join political leagues]

Article 52, Paragraph 5 (Employee Organizations) Related to Collective Bargaining [Will not engage in activities (like labor unions) aimed at maintaining and improving working conditions and negotiating with the authorities of local public entities]

Article 38, Paragraph 1 (Restrictions on Engagement in Profitable Enterprises, etc.) [If there is remuneration, permission from the appointing authority (mayor, etc.) is required, but this society is unpaid]

<Recruiting Members for the Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians>

The Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians is recruiting regular members and supporting members.

For details, please visit the Japan Society for Emergency Medical Technicians website or the membership application site.

Membership Application Site URL: https://www.jelsta.or.jp/join/