AAA Board of Directors Resolution

Whereas, during a catastrophic disaster, act of terrorism or other public health threat, local ambulance services are an essential resource and a vital part of the emergency response system, and

Whereas, dramatic evidence of this critical role was the quick response of ambulance services immediately following the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001, and

Whereas, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) represents ambulance services across the United States that participate in serving more than 95% of the urban U.S. population with emergency and non-emergency care and medical transportation, and

Whereas, especially during this time of heightened alert, affirming the role of the nation’s ambulance services in the local, state and federal homeland security planning and response is essential, therefore

Be it resolved that the AAA Board of Directors, on behalf of its membership and the ambulance industry across the United States, does hereby recommend the following…

• Safety of ambulance service personnel and patients, and the security of ambulance facilities, supply inventories and vehicles;
• Effective use of ambulance resources benefiting the patients and communities we serve;
• Integration of local ambulance services into emergency management including: 1) mitigation, 2) preparedness, 3) response, and 4) recovery;
• Timely cost reimbursement to offset the financial impact of disaster preparedness and response; and
• Accurate recognition of critical role of ambulance service providers, before, during and after an event.

Adopted by the American Ambulance Association
Board of Directors
November 17, 2001