Important Issues In EMS

As a primary part of providing care following a crash, EMS plays a critical role in the Safe System Approach detailed in the DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy.

EMS resides at the nexus of public health, public safety, healthcare and emergency management. Involvement with diverse systems and stakeholders makes collaboration essential.

Data and research identify the specific procedures and protocols that lead to desired patient outcomes. In this way, the care EMS clinicians provide continues to evolve.

To respond to infectious diseases, EMS and 911 systems develop and adjust delivery models, standards of care and more. EMS systems are an essential part of the response to public health emergencies.

This bold plan–the result of a collaborative, inclusive two-year effort–envisions innovative, people-centered possibilities that advance EMS systems nationwide.

The nation’s EMS systems are only as strong and effective as their people. The Office of EMS develops resources for training, education, safety and clinician mental health and wellness.

NHTSA supports evaluations of State EMS and trauma systems. States use the insights to find opportunities for improvement, enact legislation and secure additional staff.

The collection and application of data improves operations, provider safety and patient care. Learn about EMS incident data, how systems collect good data and key data standards.