GEMS Diamond - The GEMS diamond was created to help providers remember what is different about the older patient.  These issues should be considered when assessing every older patient:

G: Geriatric Patients - older patients are different and may present atypically
E: Environmental Assessment - the environment may contain clues to the cause of the emergency
M: Medical Assessment - older patients tend to have a variety of medical problems
S: Social Assessment - older patients may have less of a social network

Case Studies - Each chapter contains multiple case studies.  Case studies prompt providers to thing about what they might do if they encountered a similar situation in the field.  A summary of each case study appears at the end of the chapter.

ALS Icons - Alert providers that the information is for advanced life support (ALS) personnel.

Attitude Tips - Tips to help providers appropriately handle calls involving older people, and also addressing myths or stereotypes.
 
Communication Tips - Tips to remind readers of communication issues and how to communicate properly.

Medication Tips   - Tips to remind providers of the importance of documenting medications, medication reactions, incorrect dosing, and any other medication issues that they should keep in mind when working with an older patient.
 
Controversy Boxes - This features highlights issues that may be under debate in the EMS community.