Human Trafficking Awareness for EMS Professionals

Human trafficking is a growing public health and public safety crisis that impacts every community in the United States. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals are often among the first to encounter potential victims—whether responding to medical calls, domestic disturbances, assault cases, or seemingly routine transport requests.

This course is designed to educate EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and Paramedics on the realities of human trafficking, how to recognize possible victims, how to safely respond, and how to connect individuals to life-saving resources. Learners will explore the differences between trafficking and smuggling, risk factors and vulnerabilities, behavioral and environmental red flags, appropriate interviewing techniques, and evidence preservation considerations.
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By the end of this course, EMS providers will be better equipped to identify trafficking situations, communicate effectively with victims, and collaborate with law enforcement and community agencies to improve patient outcomes.