Submission Guidelines
Submission Deadlines
Manuscripts are accepted on a rolling basis. You may submit content at any time for online publication or publication in subsequent issues of the print journal.
Selecting a Manuscript Type
Authors must select a manuscript type, which should be clearly denoted on the cover page.
Manuscripts of the following types undergo double-blind peer review:
Original Research
Manuscripts featuring original research results, including results from clinical research on prehospital emergency care or research on training methods, operational procedures, administrative practices, provider perceptions, student development, prehospital ethics, etc.
Original research manuscripts may report the results of surveys, chart reviews, or data obtained through other quantitative methods. Although quantitative methods are standard in medical and healthcare research, JCEMS also welcomes original research that employs qualitative, conceptual, or philosophical methods. Manuscripts featuring original research are prioritized in our review process.
Case Reports
Manuscripts reporting a specific clinical situation, operational incident, administrative or ethical challenge, organizational model, or novel initiative or project. In addition to describing the steps taken by the provider(s) or agency, a Case Report should provide extensive background on the issue and discuss what should be done in similar instances with appropriate reference to available and pertinent guidelines, protocols, and peer-reviewed literature. Case Reports describing novel initiatives, projects, programs, or policies should provide measures evaluating the impact of implementation. For manuscripts that describe a specific situation, challenge, project, etc. without extensive measures of evaluation, reference to the literature, or evidence-based recommendations, please see Perspectives and Opinions.
Reviews
Manuscripts that review the available literature, guidelines, or protocols to address a specific question or issue of relevance to the collegiate EMS community. Grounded in research and theory, review articles are expected to have clear implications for clinical, operational, administrative, or educational practice.
Manuscripts of the following types undergo editorial review:
News and Commentary
Manuscripts featuring news and updates about collegiate EMS agencies, campus health and safety initiatives, and conferences or events. Commentary and discussions about recent events of relevance to the collegiate EMS community are also welcome.
Perspectives and Opinions
Manuscripts featuring individual viewpoints or interpretations of a topic of relevance for the collegiate EMS community. Discussions about emerging or controversial issues are particularly welcome, provided authors acknowledge and integrate alternate points of view. Manuscripts that feature a discussion about a specific clinical situation, operational incident, administrative or ethical challenge, organizational model, or novel initiative or project may also be classified as a Perspectives and Opinions piece; however, such a manuscript should be classified as a Case Report if it features extensive measures of evaluation, literature review, and evidence-based recommendations.
Advice and Practices
Manuscripts featuring advice or “how-to” information regarding clinical, operational, administrative, or educational aspects of collegiate EMS. Concrete examples are expected, and references to research literature, guidelines, protocols may be included.
Product Reviews
Reviews of a specific product or collection of products that may be utilized by collegiate EMS providers or campus safety personnel. Evidence of successful implementation in the collegiate environment is strongly preferred. Any conflicts of interest of the author(s) must be disclosed in the “About the Author” section. Conflicts of interest will be considered in the review process and noted in published articles. Product developers and manufacturers who wish to have their product reviewed should contact the Editors at JCEMS@CollegeEMS.com. Please see the Publishing Ethics section for more information.
Letters to the Editor
Brief letters written in response to an article published in JCEMS. Letters may serve to develop, critique, or discuss the implications of published work. Letters should be submitted within 12 weeks of the original article’s publication. The original author will always have the opportunity to respond to the letter. Letters may also be openly addressed to the Editor-in-Chief to provide commentary on a collective set of pieces published in JCEMS or on JCEMS’ broader context within the scholarly EMS community.
JCEMS also welcomes submissions of the following content, which will undergo editorial review:
Images
Images of collegiate EMS providers, equipment, operational activities, etc.
Videos
Videos of trainings, presentations, events, etc.
Training Materials
Powerpoints, skills-sheets, scenarios, etc.
Agency Documents
Standard operating guidelines, patient care reports, etc.
Authors are encouraged to contact our Editors at JCEMS@CollegeEMS.com if they are interested in submitting content that does not fit any of the listed manuscript types, or if they are unsure which manuscript type describes their work.
General Formatting Guidelines
Unless otherwise specified, the following guidelines apply to all manuscript types:
About the Author
Manuscripts should include a brief section of no more than 100 words per author that will be published in the article. The section should detail the author(s)’ credentials and qualifications for writing on the given topic. We also invite authors to submit a small thumbnail image to be included in this section (JPEG or PNG format).
Cover Page
Cover page should include the following information: (1) list of authors with titles (MD, PhD, NRP, etc.), (2) author affiliations including location and department (if applicable) of affiliated institution/organization (3) emails of all authors, (4) identification and full contact information for corresponding author, (5) proposed title of manuscript, (6) acknowledgment of grant or other financial support (see Declaring Funding Sources) (7) disclosure of conflicts of interest (see Declaring Conflicts of Interest), and (8) text word count (excluding abstract).
De-Identification
Manuscripts submitted for double-blind, peer review (Original Research, Case Reports, or Reviews) should have all content that could be used to identify the authors or their respective institutions from the manuscript (excluding the cover page).
Document Settings
Files should be saved as “[last name of corresponding author, first name – manuscript type: proposed article title]”. Articles should be saved and submitted as .doc or .docx files. Tables and figures may be included within the .doc or .docx file and attached as a separate Microsoft Excel file.. Images should be saved and submitted as .jpeg or .png files. Text should be written in Times New Roman, 12 pt. Font.
Images
Images may be submitted independently or as an accompaniment to a manuscript. Please ensure that images are high resolution and that the authors have the right to reproduce the image(s) for commercial purposes. Images should be saved as .jpeg or .png files. and attached as separate files in the email submission. A brief caption to be published under the image should be provided within the manuscript text. A note should also be provided within the manuscript text describing the desired placement of the image with respect to the manuscript text (ex: “Please place the image saved as ‘CPR Mannequin’ between these two paragraphs”). The placement note will be removed prior to publication. We will attempt to place the image as requested, but please know that formatting requirements may demand the image is placed elsewhere with respect to the text.
Length
- Original Research and Reviews should not exceed 5,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references).
- Case Reports should not exceed 3,500 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references).
- News and Commentary, Perspectives and Opinions, and Advice and Practices should not exceed 2,500 words (excluding references).
- Product Reviews should not exceed 1,500 words.
- Letters to the Editor should not exceed 1,000 words.
References
Format references in accordance with the American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines.
Supplementary Materials
Supplementary Materials may include additional information for the invested reader that goes beyond the scope or allowed space of the manuscript. These may include additional tables, figures, images, or details on research methods, statistical analysis, etc. Supplementary Materials will be published online and may include color. Original Research manuscripts featuring survey data are encouraged to include the full survey in Supplementary Materials. Supplementary Materials should be saved as a .doc or .docx file with the filename “[last name of corresponding author, first name – Supplementary Material: proposed article title]” and submitted as a separate email attachment.
Tables and Figures
All tables and figures should be referred to within the text. Tables should be numbered by order of appearance within the text using Arabic numerals (Table 1, Table 2, etc.). Figures should be numbered by order of appearance within the text using Arabic numerals (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.). Both tables and figures should be embedded within the text (or Supplementary Materials) AND attached as separate Microsoft Excel file. Editors should be able to directly edit all tables and figures within Microsoft Excel for formatting purposes. Informative captions should be placed above tables and below figures. Tables and figures should be provided in black and white; color versions may be provided in Supplementary Materials for online publication. Please know that the size and location of tables and figures may be altered to meet formatting requirements.
Video
Video(s) may be submitted independently or as an accompaniment to a manuscript for online publication. When included as an accompaniment to a manuscript, videos should be referred to within the text. Videos should be numbered by order of appearance within the text using with Arabic numerals (Video 1, Video 2, etc.). If you wish to submit a video, please contact our Editors at JCEMS@CollegeEMS.com for further instructions on formatting and submission guidelines.
Formatting Guidelines for Manuscript Text Sections
Manuscripts should be divided into sections and formatted depending on manuscript type (as described below). Sections may be divided into subsections at the discretion of the authors.
Original Research
Abstract: A structured abstract of no more than 200 words. Includes the following sections: Background, Objectives, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
Introduction: Describe the background, context, and relevant literature on the topic. Identify the importance of the issue and how the investigation is novel and relevant to the collegiate EMS community. Explicitly and succinctly state the goal or objective of the research.
Methods: Describe the design of the study and interventions provided in sufficient detail for replication. Detail criteria and methods used to select, recruit, and enroll participants. Note how informed consent was provided and how participant privacy was protected. For reports of surveys, detail how the survey questions were developed, tested, and validated, and note response rates. Discuss how measurements were made and how data was collected. Discuss how data was analyzed with reference to the specific statistical methods employed and software used. Authors may consult “Reporting Statistical Information in Medical Journal Articles” for more information. Reports of randomized controlled trials are expected to adhere to the guidelines provided in the CONSORT statement. Note the institutional review board or ethics committee which approved the research, or note that review was waived (if applicable). Provide appropriate references to previously published descriptions of the methods. If non-traditional methodologies are employed, a thorough description of each method and an explanation of the reasons for its selection should be included.
Results: Describe the characteristics of study participants and the main quantitative or qualitative findings. Authors may consult “Reporting Statistical Information in Medical Journal Articles” for information on reporting statistical results. Data may be provided in tables or figures when appropriate.
Discussion: Summarize major findings. Discuss results in terms of relevant previously published literature, guidelines, and protocols. Discuss the importance and implications of the findings for the collegiate EMS community. When warranted by the findings, specific recommendations (clinical, operational, administrative, or educational) may be given. Discuss further research that is necessary, including specific recommendations for future studies when applicable.
Limitations: Discuss limitations which might affect the validity of the results. Discuss limitations in terms of applying the results and conclusions to a wider population than that which was directly under investigation. When applicable, discuss how the effects of the stated limitations were minimized and how they might be avoided in future studies.
Conclusion: Succinctly summarize the major findings, implications, recommendations, and limitations.
Acknowledgments: Acknowledge individuals who assisted with research or writing, but who do not meet the full criteria for authorship (see Authorship). Acknowledge the source of funding or financial support, or indicate that funding was not obtained. Acknowledge any conflicts of interest.
References: Format references in accordance with the American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines.
Case Reports
Abstract: A structured abstract of no more than 200 words. Includes the following sections: Background, Case Report, and Conclusion.
Introduction: Describe the background, context, and relevant literature on the topic. Identify why a collegiate EMS provider, leader, or advisor. should be aware of the particular case.
Case Report: Describe the patient presentation, operational incident, administrative challenge, etc. and the steps taken by the provider(s) or agency.
Discussion: Discuss lessons learned and what should be done in similar instances with appropriate reference to available and pertinent guidelines, protocols, and peer-reviewed literature. Reports should acknowledge and discuss any limitations in relying on the report for agencies with different operational or administrative structures.
Conclusion: Succinctly summarize the major details of the case, steps taken, and lessons learned.
Acknowledgments: Acknowledge individuals who assisted with research or writing or otherwise participated in the case, but who do not meet the full criteria for authorship (see Authorship). Acknowledge the source of funding or financial support, or indicate the funding was not obtained. Acknowledge any conflicts of interest.
References: Format references in accordance with the American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines.
Reviews
Abstract: A structured abstract of no more than 200 words. Includes the following sections: Background, Objectives of Review, Methods [only for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses], Results [only for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses], Discussion, and Conclusion.
Introduction: Describe the context for the review. Identify the importance of the issue and its relevance to the collegiate EMS community. State why the review is necessary, and what the review will contribute above and beyond what has already been published on the topic. Explicitly and succinctly state the goal or objective of the review.
Methods: Only for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical research or therapeutic interventions are expected to comply with reporting guidelines in the PRISMA statement.
Results: Only for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical research or therapeutic interventions are expected to comply with reporting guidelines in the PRISMA statement.
Discussion: Critically evaluate and discuss the available literature, guidelines, or protocols pertinent to the given topic. Identify the major trends and findings from the literature. Discuss implications and, when appropriate, provide recommendations for clinical, operational, administrative, or educational practice. Discuss limitations of the review (e.g. reporting bias, additional sources not reviewed). Discuss the direction in which research on the topic is heading and, when appropriate, provide recommendations for further research. The Discussion section may be divided into sub-sections at the discretion of the authors.
Conclusion: Succinctly summarize the major findings, implications, and recommendations.
Acknowledgments: Acknowledge individuals who assisted with research or writing, but who do not meet the full criteria for authorship (see Authorship). Acknowledge the source of funding or financial support, or indicate that funding was not obtained. Acknowledge any conflicts of interest.
References: Format references in accordance with the American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines.
Other Manuscript Types
Manuscripts which undergo editorial review (News and Commentary, Perspectives and Opinions, Advice and Practices, Product Reviews, Letters to the Editor) may be formatted as authors see fit. Dividing content into sections is recommended to increase organization and readability.
Submissions of Images, Video, Training Materials, or Agency Documents should be accompanied by a brief cover letter, written to the Editorial Board, describing the submission and its relevance to the collegiate EMS community. Submissions
Submission Declaration Form
Every listed author must complete and sign a copy of our Submission Declaration Form, if acceptable. Signed copies of our Submission Declaration Form must be attached to the manuscript submission. Download Submission Declaration Form.
Manuscript Submission
Please ensure that the manuscript is prepared in accordance with the most up-to-date version of our Guide for Authors. Email submissions to JCEMS@CollegeEMS.com. Although it is preferred that the corresponding author submit the manuscript, any author is permitted to submit. The email subject line should be “[last name of corresponding author, first name – manuscript type: proposed article title]”. For manuscripts that will undergo double-blind, peer review (Original Research, Case Reports, or Reviews), a signed copy of our Submission Declaration Form should be attached for every listed author. Images and Supplementary Materials should be attached as separate documents. Submissions of Images, Videos, Training Materials, or Agency Documents should be accompanied by a brief cover letter.
The corresponding author will receive notification within two weeks that the submission has been received. If notification is not received within two weeks, it is acceptable to email our Editors at JCEMS@CollegeEMS.com to confirm receipt.
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