Global Learning, Local Impact: TEMSEA’s Study Abroad Experience in London
By Jason Fox, Vice President of the Tennessee EMS Education Association
In its ongoing mission to improve patient outcomes through dynamic and innovative educational opportunities, the Tennessee EMS Education Association (TEMSEA) took a bold step in March 2025 by facilitating a study abroad experience in London, United Kingdom. This unique educational trip brought together 31 EMS professionals—educators, students, and clinicians—from Tennessee and Maryland for an immersive weeklong program centered around international perspectives on prehospital care, anatomy, and the history of medicine.
Thanks to long-standing professional relationships cultivated by TEMSEA member Greg Johnson, the trip provided participants with unprecedented access to some of the most respected medical and educational institutions in London. From state-of-the-art pathology labs to riding along on active emergency response units, this was more than a sightseeing tour—it was a transformative professional development experience designed to broaden horizons and elevate standards in EMS education and clinical care.
Bridging Education Across the Atlantic
The trip began with a visit to the prestigious St. George’s University of London. As one of the UK's oldest and most well-respected medical schools, St. George’s provided the group with a glimpse into British medical education and clinical training.
One of the highlights was a guided session of the university’s renowned pathology lab. Attendees were able to examine expertly preserved plasticized anatomical specimens—perfectly replicated human forms that offered clarity and realism not often found in traditional cadaver labs. These resources allowed for hands-on interaction and detailed identification of anatomical structures in a way that deepened understanding. For EMS educators, this reinforced the value of visual and tactile learning aids and sparked ideas about how similar models could be implemented in U.S. training environments.
In addition to the lab experience, participants attended lectures from key faculty members at St. George’s. These sessions delved into comparative healthcare models, innovations in emergency care education, and clinical decision-making. The faculty’s openness to questions and discussion encouraged meaningful exchanges about how different systems approach similar challenges. It was evident that, despite geographical and systemic differences, the goals of improving patient care, reducing mortality, and enhancing educational outcomes were shared on both sides of the Atlantic.
On the Streets With London Ambulance Service
After the academic sessions concluded, the group moved from the classroom to the streets of London. Participants were granted the rare opportunity to ride along as third-person observers with crews from the London Ambulance Service (LAS).
LAS is the busiest ambulance service in the U.K., covering the greater London area with a population of over 9 million and responding to more than 6,000 calls each day. With this level of demand, LAS operates with a highly structured, efficient system of care that includes both ambulance crews and fast response units (FRUs). Each observer was assigned to either an ambulance or an FRU for their shift, providing a firsthand look at how emergency care is delivered in a publicly funded, centralized healthcare system.
What stood out to many participants was the clinical autonomy granted to paramedics in the U.K., as well as their deep familiarity with a range of community resources. Observers noted the emphasis on patient navigation and appropriate care pathways—deciding not just how to treat a patient, but where that patient could best be treated. It was a reminder that emergency care is not just about transport, it’s about solutions. For EMS providers used to a more transport-focused model, this exposure offered valuable insights into alternative approaches to triage and disposition.
Riding along with LAS crews, participants encountered a wide range of calls—ranging from behavioral health emergencies to cardiac issues and traumatic injuries. The experience underscored both the universality of prehospital challenges and the unique ways that different systems respond to those challenges. It also fostered a deep appreciation for the professionalism and compassion of the LAS personnel, who were not only highly skilled but incredibly welcoming.
Cultural Connection and Hospitality
Throughout the week, one consistent theme emerged: the warmth and hospitality of the British hosts. Whether it was the faculty at St. George’s, the frontline crews of LAS, or the tour guides leading historical sessions, the London-based professionals opened their doors and shared their time generously. They were not just hosts—they were collaborators in a shared pursuit of excellence in healthcare.
Participants remarked repeatedly on the ease with which friendships and professional connections were made. This was not just an academic exercise—it was a cultural exchange. The sharing of stories, ideas, and experiences across continents created lasting bonds and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. There is tremendous power in connecting EMS professionals from different systems and backgrounds, and the trip proved that education is just as much about people as it is about processes.
Lessons from the Past: Medical History Walking Tour
As the trip drew to a close, the group participated in a walking history tour of London focused on the evolution of medicine and healthcare. Led by experts with a deep passion for history, the tour brought participants face to face with centuries of medical advancement—from the early days of rudimentary surgical practices to the modern systems that now save millions of lives each year.
The group visited locations and museums filled with artifacts, documents, and stories chronicling the development of medical science in the U.K. and beyond. The tour wasn’t just informative—it was deeply inspiring. For EMS professionals who often work in high-stress, fast-paced environments, taking a moment to reflect on the origins of their craft helped reinforce the significance of their work and the importance of continual learning.
This historical context gave attendees a richer appreciation for how far emergency medicine has come and how much further it can go. By examining the successes and mistakes of the past, EMS professionals can better navigate the challenges of the present and shape the future of care.
The Impact and the Path Forward
The London study abroad trip TEMSEA facilitated was more than a professional development opportunity—it was a transformational journey. By combining classroom education, real-world observation, and cultural immersion, the trip offered a comprehensive learning experience that will resonate with attendees for years to come.
Importantly, the trip also highlighted the value of looking beyond borders for inspiration. While emergency medical services in the U.S. are advanced and have undoubtedly saved countless lives, there is always room to evolve. Learning from other systems—especially those that operate within different funding models, legal frameworks, and cultural expectations—can help U.S. providers and educators refine their approaches, introduce new ideas, and continue pushing the boundaries of what EMS can achieve.
This trip was just the beginning. TEMSEA hopes to make study abroad experiences a regular part of its professional development offerings, helping EMS professionals gain a global perspective that enriches local care. As the lines between local and global healthcare challenges continue to blur, such initiatives will be crucial in developing well-rounded, culturally competent, and forward-thinking EMS providers.
Join the Movement
For EMS professionals who are passionate about education, collaboration, and elevating patient care, opportunities like this are valuable. TEMSEA remains committed to creating innovative and inspiring experiences that prepare providers to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. To learn more about TEMSEA’s mission, membership, and future educational opportunities—including potential study abroad programs—visit tnemsea.com.
In the end, the London experience reminded all involved that the pursuit of excellence in emergency medical care is a global endeavor. No matter where we serve, we all share the same mission: to make a difference, one patient at a time.
