Labor Trafficking and the Role of the EMS Professional

Author: Wilson, Lauren; Wood, Stephen; Goldberg, Scott; Foltz-Colhour, Aislinn; Van Gelder, Carin & Stoklosa, Hanni

Abstract: Like Fainess, many trafficked persons interact with EMS professionals before being identified as a trafficked person. Trafficked persons are often hidden in plain sight, with their exploitation going undetected in their respective communities. Many EMS professionals have not received any training in human trafficking; however, EMS professionals are in a unique position to identify trafficked persons, gaining a view of the patient’s out-of-hospital environment not visible to most other healthcare providers. With appropriate training, EMS personnel can be well-equipped to intervene and connect these patients to the necessary community resources.

Keywords: collegiate-based emergency medical services, labor trafficking