International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM)

The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly half of deaths and over a third of disability in low and middle income countries could be addressed by the implementation of effective emergency care. Many countries still have no, or very basic, first line pre-hospital and in hospital emergency care. This means that people suffer devastating impacts from road traffic accidents, workplace injury, infectious illness, heart attacks, stroke and other common problems – things that would be quickly treated in the UK. As a result, people, often children or young adults in the prime of life, die or are debilitated, and not able to work and live a fulfilling and productive life. This also threatens the economic future of an individual, their family, and their community.

The International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) is dedicated to changing this through leading the development of the highest quality of emergency medical care for all people, in all countries. A predominantly volunteer run organisation, IFEM is made up of emergency medicine professional organisations from 66 countries, from all regions around the world. IFEM comprises of a network of emergency medicine specialist doctors who deliver emergency care in their own countries, and collaborate to improve emergency care across the world through:

• Fostering relationships and knowledge sharing between global emergency care experts and local healthcare providers to fast track better emergency care.
• Advocating with governments and key influencers.
• Through our members, developing and making freely available locally relevant education and standards in multiple languages.
• Rapidly harnessing and sharing clinical and health systems expertise.
• Leading the collaboration and networking among experts and those developing emergency care to support equality in service and care.
• Promoting the creation and growth of the specialty of emergency medicine.

IFEM was founded in 1991, with RCEM being a founding member. RCEM has maintained strong ties with IFEM, providing support and through commitment to the work of IFEM in advancing emergency medicine internationally.

IFEM hosts the annual International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM)  – see the previous and upcoming venues.

About IFEM Committees 

The positive impact IFEM has on people’s lives across the globe is only possible because of their incredible volunteers who donate their time and expertise.

Their committees play an instrumental role in the operational management of IFEM and in developing resources that assist emergency medical care in all resources settings. 

Committee membership is open to individuals who are members of an IFEM Member organization. Tenure is for a two year period, with the current tenure ending in June 2025.  Committee and Group Expression of Interest 2025-2027 - Learn more and apply 

For more information on IFEM Committees  https://www.ifem.cc/about_our_committees 

If you would like to contact any of these representatives, please contact globalem@rcem.ac.uk

Many more RCEM members contribute through committees, working groups, taskforces or networking at IFEM conferences and other events.

As a federation of grassroots emergency medicine organisations from countries and regions with mature and highly developed emergency care systems, and systems in various stages of development or just starting out, IFEM has unique insight and reach into health systems globally. Members are experts in all facets of emergency care, delivered in all environments, to all ages and types of patients. This enables IFEM to rapidly harness expertise and draw global teams together to work on a project, or any emergency care challenge.

Some of the resources IFEM has recently produced include:

• How to Start and Operate a National Emergency Medicine Specialty Organisation
• An Updated Framework on Quality and Safety in Emergency Medicine
• Statement on Minimum Standards for the Care of Older People in Emergency Departments
• Standards of Care for Children in Emergency Departments
• Worldwide Resource for Curriculum and Education

The positive impact IFEM has on people’s lives across the globe is only possible because of our members and volunteers who donate their time, expertise, and resources. If you would like to get involved and play a critical role in advancing global emergency medical care, we encourage you to get in touch. Your financial support will also play a critical role in scaling up the work IFEM does.

To learn more visit www.ifem.cc

Subscribe to the IFEM newsletter at https://www.ifem.cc/subscribe_to_our_newsletter

Follow IFEM on Facebook @InternationalFederationforEmergencyMedicine and Instagram and Twitter @IFEM2

The International Conference for Emergency Medicine (ICEM)

24 -28 May 2025 – ICEM 2025 – MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA

24th International Conference on Emergency Medicine
Host: Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP)
More information and register.

Upcoming

10 – 13 June 2026 – ICEM 2026 – HAMBURG, GERMANY

25th International Conference on Emergency Medicine
Host: German Association for Emergency Medicine (DGINA)

The European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM)

The European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM) is a non-profit making scientific organisation whose aim is to promote and foster the concept, philosophy and the art of Emergency Medicine throughout Europe. The ultimate objective of the Society is to help and support European nations to achieve the specialty of Emergency Medicine.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is a National Society Member of EuSEM.

The European Emergency Medicine Congress (EuSEM) is an annual congress for healthcare professionals working in emergency medicine. The congress attracts over 3000 Emergency Medicine specialists from around the world. There are opportunities to learn about the new developments in emergency medicine, share best practices and network with like minded people.