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At the request of Congress, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—a federal agency that certifies protective equipment such as respirators—established the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) as one of two major research laboratories in Pittsburgh.

This research/certification project creates a pool of individuals who are willing to participate in research studies performed by the NPPTL. The medical and human subject support contract was obtained in early 2005.

Project responsibilities include the recruitment, maintenance, and scheduling of human test subjects for more than 24 protocols being conducted at Bruceton, Pa. Additionally, physician and nursing medical support is provided for various research and certification protocols. The project schedules an average of 250 subjects per month.

For current research projects see the Center for Emergency Medicine.

What is EMS?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is the delivery of life-saving health care to patients outside of the hospital environment. EMS care is usually delivered by prehospital rescuers such as EMTs and paramedics. 

Citizens in the United States typically access EMS by dialing 911 and calling for help. A myriad of resources are triggered from a single 911 phone call. These many components work together to achieve two primary goals:

1) Deliver on-scene, life-saving intervention as soon as possible.

2) Deliver the patient as quickly as possible to a hospital Emergency Department.

What is Research?

Many definitions of "research" exist.  One offered by Paul Leedy and Jeanne Ormrod in Practical Research: Planning and Design describes research as:

1) Originating with a question or a problem.

2) Clear articulation of a goal

3) Following a specific plan of procedures.

4) Dividing up the principal problem into manageable smaller problems.

5) Using the problem statement, research question, or hypothesis as a guide.

6) Accepting critical assumptions and theoretical frameworks.

7) The collection and interpretation of data.

8) Working cyclically to solve a problem, answer a research question, or test hypothesis.

Reference:  Paul D. Leedy and Jeanne E. Ormrod.  Practical Research: Planning and Design. (8th Edition). 2004.  (ISBN-10: 0131108956)

Publications, Grants, and Presentations

Peer Reviewed Articles

  • Washington State First Aid Training Task Force, Stoy W: “First Aid Training Curriculum Guidelines.” Washington State Department of Labor and Industry.2007
  • Chew J, Platt T, Stoy W:  “EMS system in the 21st century.”  The Middle East Journal of Emergency Medicine.  2002.
  • Chew J, Platt T, Stoy W:  “Hamad EMS response to multiple trauma patients.”  The Middle East Journal of Emergency Medicine.  2002.
  • Chew J, Platt T, Stoy W:  “Basic principles of education:  the art and science of education.”  The Middle East Journal of Emergency Medicine.  2002.

Published Articles

  • Stoy W, Pierce J, Raynovich W, Platt T: “2014 Revision to Education Agenda for the Future: Achieving Higher Education.” Educator Update (NAEMSE). 20-22, 2014.
  • Stoy W, Cameron C: “Click Education: University of Pittsburgh Distance Education Grows.” Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). 35(7): 82-83, 2010.
  • Munk M, White S, Stoy W, et al: “Physician medical direction and clinical performance at an established emergency medical services system.”Prehospital Emergency Care. 13(2):185-92, 2009.
  • Krell J, McCoy M, Stoy W, et al: “Comparison of the Ferno Scoop Stretcher with the long backboard for spinal immobilization.” Prehospital Emergency Care. 10(1):46-51, 2006.
  • American Heart Association, Stoy W:  “Highlights of the 2005 American heart association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care,” Currents in Emergency Cardiovascular Care.”  16(4), 2005-2006.
  • American Heart Association, Stoy W:  “2005 American heart association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care, part 2:  ethical issues.” Circulation.  112(suppl IV):IV-6-IV-11, 2005.
  • American Heart Association, Stoy W:  “2005 American heart association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care, part 4:  adult basic life support.”  Circulation.  112(suppl IV):IV-19-IV-34, 2005.
  • Margolis G, Sikka N, Stoy W, et al:  “Understanding diversity among prehospital care delivery systems around the world.”  Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America.  2005.
  • Gergel R, Stoy W:  “Jane Doe v. EMS:  viewing ems under the legal microscope.”  Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).  29(10):70-77, 2004.
  • Grandey JT, Stoy W:  “Teacher, clinician…friend:  tributes to Peter Safar.” Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).  28(10):20-24, 2003.
  • Kizakevich PN, Stoy W, Weaver AL, et al:  “Usability analysis of VR simulation software.”  Student Health Technology Information.  85:567-569, 2002.
  • Stoy W:  “Zen and the art of EMS education.”  Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).  26(9):40-49, 2001.
  • Stoy W:  “Patient puzzle:  use systematic assessment to detect and correct patient conditions.” Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).  26(1):24-39, 2001.
  • Stoy W:  “Update on EMS accreditation programs.”  NAEMSE Educator Update.  2000.
  • Cason D, Stoy W:  “Trends in EMS education:  interview by Mike Spivak.” Emergency Medical Services.  29(7):92-94, 2000.
  • Michael J, Stoy W:  “Update on the educational agenda for the future.” Domain.  1999.
  • Stoy W:  “Instructional system development (ISD) of the EMT-intermediate and paramedic curricula.”  Domain.  1999.