Identifying and managing social influences are increasingly components of the EMS clinician's patient care repertoire. Patient- and family-centered care requires familiarity with different cultural perceptions of health and wellness along with beliefs regarding sick behavior and healing. Social isolation, which is associated with negative health consequences, may be mitigated by EMS engagement with family and inclusion in patient decision making.

Bystanders at emergency scenes, particularly medically trained bystanders, provide both a resource and a challenge for EMS clinicians. Bystanders should be managed appropriately to protect patient confidentiality, to provide care unhindered, and to secure the scene.

The medical director plays a critical role in shaping street-level behavior for EMS clinicians not only in clinical care, but in management of psychosocial issues, which ultimately promotes competent and compassionate delivery of medicine in the EMS setting.