Register Today! Protecting the Well-Being of Responders
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Acadian Ambulance Marks 55 Years of Service and Caring
For more information, please contact:
Acadian Companies PR & Marketing
media@acadian.com
337.210.1826
Acadian Ambulance Marks 55 Years of Service and Caring
September 1, 2026 — On September 1, 2026, Acadian Ambulance, the nation’s largest employee-owned ambulance service, marks its 55th anniversary. Since its founding in 1971, the company has grown from a small operation with two ambulances and eight medics to a multi-faceted company with eight diverse divisions specializing in medical transportation, prehospital care, healthcare at home, industrial health, safety and environmental services, training, consulting, dynamic security equipment and monitoring for homes and businesses, charter flight services, and world-class emergency medical services education.
Acadian was established in 1971 by Richard Zuschlag, Richard Sturlese, and Roland Dugas in response to a critical need for professional ambulance services after increased federal regulations caused many of the nation’s funeral homes to discontinue using hearses for patient transport. Acadian’s pioneering spirit and dedication to patient care have since become a model for the EMS industry.
“As we celebrate 55 years, we are reminded that the Acadian story is one of resilience, innovation, and service. From our founding in 1971 to today, our mission remains clear: to provide the highest level of care possible. We honor where we started, but we are equally focused on the future, continuing to build on our legacy of protecting and serving the communities that place their trust in us every day,” said Acadian Companies CEO H. Eddy Dupuis. “Our success is rooted in the dedication of every single team member across all of our divisions.”
55 Years of Service and Caring
Notable accomplishments from Acadian Ambulance and its sister companies include:
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Acadian Air Med is strengthening its fleet with the addition of two new EC135 P2+ helicopters, which are expected to be integrated before the end of the year. In addition, Air Med now carries plasma on every aircraft across Louisiana.
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Acadian Ambulance provides emergency and non-emergency transportation services in more than 80 parishes and counties across a four-state region. It has served more than 15 million patients over 55 years.
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Acadian Health provides mobile integrated health services in six states across the nation and records an average 9.61 out of 10 in patient satisfaction scores.
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Acadian Total Security took home the top honor of Security Sales & Integration magazine’s Installer of the Year at the 2026 SAMMY Awards, the fourth time it has received the honor.
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National EMS Academy is the second largest EMS training academy in the nation, behind only UCLA.
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Safety Management Systems continues to evolve as one of the nation’s premier providers of incident and disaster response services, ranging from staffing and equipment to temporary facilities and logistics.
About Acadian Ambulance
Acadian Ambulance is the nation’s largest 100% employee-owned ambulance service providing prehospital care and medical transportation to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In recognition of Acadian’s clinical excellence, it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services and a member of the American Ambulance Association. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.
Acadian Ambulance is a division of Acadian Companies, which has a global reach and a mission of improving the lives of its patients, customers and employees through its innovative spirit and diverse divisions, also including Acadian Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, Acadian Total Security, National EMS Academy, Safety Management Systems and Acadian Health.
Acadian’s National EMS Academy offers EMT training at its campuses across Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee. For more information on upcoming classes, visit www.BecomeAMedic.com.
AAA Member Profile Update
New in Your Member Profile:
Track Your Progress and Print Your Certificates Anytime
We’re excited to roll out a new enhancement to the AAA member portal that makes it easier than ever to track your professional development journey.
If you’ve attended any sessions that earn credits toward the Shift Dynamics or AAARC Certificate Programs, your member profile now includes a personalized progress dashboard and the ability to generate a printable, ready-to-share certificate after your registration is confirmed and the course is complete.
What’s New
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Real-time progress tracking. Log in to your AAA member profile and see exactly where you stand in your Shift Dynamics or AAARC Certificate Program journey: completed modules, remaining requirements, and overall progress, all in one place.
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On-demand printable certificates. Once you’ve met the requirements, you can generate and print your official certificate directly from your profile, no more waiting on staff to process and email a copy.
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One central hub. If you’re enrolled in multiple programs, you can view progress across all of them from a single dashboard instead of tracking emails or spreadsheets on your own.
What’s New
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Real-time progress tracking. Log in to your AAA member profile and see exactly where you stand in your Shift Dynamics or AAARC Certificate Program journey: completed modules, remaining requirements, and overall progress, all in one place.
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On-demand printable certificates. Once you’ve met the requirements, you can generate and print your official certificate directly from your profile, no more waiting on staff to process and email a copy.
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One central hub. If you’re enrolled in multiple programs, you can view progress across all of them from a single dashboard instead of tracking emails or spreadsheets on your own.
Why We Built This
Your feedback was clear: members want more visibility into their progress and faster access to proof of completion. Share your progress as part of a performance review, a job application, continuing education documentation, or just the satisfaction of seeing how far you’ve come. This update puts that information directly in your hands, available whenever you need it.
How to Access It
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Log in to your AAA member profile at www.ambulance.org.
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Navigate to the Certificates section.
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View your progress for the Shift Dynamics and/or AAARC Certificate Program.
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Click Download Certificate to save or print a copy for your records.
Getting Started
Not yet enrolled in Shift Dynamics or the AAARC Certificate Program? Check out our upcoming workshops or reach out to our team to get started. Current participants can log in today to see their progress dashboard live.
As always, we welcome your feedback on this new feature — share your questions or suggestions with our team.
This is the first of several member portal and website enhancements planned for the next two years. Stay tuned for more updates designed to make your AAA membership experience more connected and more valuable.
House Passes FY2027 NDAA
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The Rural Health Transformation Program Rolls Out Funding Allocations
The Rural Health Transformation Program is rolling out funding allocations right now. AAA advocated for EMS to be specifically included and was successful in assuring that the notice of funding opportunity and state application included multiple references to EMS. How is that playing out in your state and across America? We are finding that ambulance service opportunity varies widely around the country.
Here from a range of perspectives about transformative EMS initiatives and how you can be included. AAA VP of State Affairs and Strategic Advocacy will join a panel of experts moderated by Mickey Schulte of SAVVIK for a lively discussion about RHTP on July 23, please join us!
REGISTER HERE!
The Robot in the Room Billed for a Surgery That Never Happened
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What You Need to Know About DEA Form 41 for Drug Destruction
Post Authored and Shared by LogRX 
Destruction of drugs sounds a little strange, but it’s part of the process the DEA requires for EMS and other first responders when handling controlled substances. It’s important to understand a little about controlled substance destruction, but this phase is often where auditors run into questions.
Destruction is a high-risk moment in the chain of custody process. It’s when partials and expired meds are destroyed as part of the restock cycle. An important piece of the workflow is filling out a DEA Form 41.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re recording drug destruction in a clear, safe, DEA-compliant way.
Key Takeaways:
- DEA Form 41 documents the final step in the controlled substance lifecycle.
- Manual DEA Form 41 workflows create unnecessary risk. Handwritten logs, duplicate data entry, and disconnected systems make it harder to maintain consistent, audit-ready documentation.
- Automating DEA Form 41 documentation improves accuracy and audit readiness.
What DEA Form 41 Actually Documents (in Plain-English)
As most first responders know, the DEA oversees and regulates “scheduled” drugs (also known as controlled substances. They require regular reporting of drug logs from first responders and practitioners.
Download DEA Form 41 Here
For many agencies, compliance used to mean jotting everything down in a paper logbook and then going through it every few months to compile reports. Now, as many in EMS are turning toward digital tracking and reporting solutions, options like LogRx make this job easier and more accurate.
Part of the process is the disposal of inventory (controlled substances) that may be expired, opened, or otherwise unusable. Because this is such a sensitive area, it’s very important that the process is clearly documented.
DEA registrants, agencies, and supervisors need to be familiar with the DEA Form 41, which is the appropriate form to file for drug destruction. The form is often known as “Registrant’s Inventory of Drugs Surrendered,” and it’s required documentation whenever controlled substances are formally destroyed.
The DEA Form 41 asks for several pieces of information
- Which controlled substances were destroyed (drug name, dosage form, strength)
- How much was destroyed (quantity and units)
- When and where destruction occurred
- Who handled and witnessed the destruction
Think of it as closing the chapter on the life of a controlled substance. Your numbers should reconcile, and everything should add up to show that your team keeps a careful eye on controlled substances.
When is the DEA Form 41 Required?
Controlled substances have to be discarded safely, according to proper regulations and instructions. That means documentation is crucial.
The DEA Form 41 is required to document:
- Expired medications
- Damaged/contaminated medications
- Partial waste in accordance with agency policy
- Meds removed from service
While the DEA Form is required, agency policy is still very important. You should follow the rules and guidelines of your particular agency, which may include additional requirements for drug destruction.
In the process, consistency is crucial. Drugs should be disposed of and documented in a clear, regular manner. It should be a natural part of your workflow. While the guidelines may vary on the frequency, it’s important to have a clear policy and procedure in place
What Auditors Look for on a DEA Form 41
When you face a DEA audit or need to send in reports, you might be wondering what auditors are looking for. When do questions start to pop up about the logs?
Controlled substances are destroyed when they can no longer be used. For many EMS agencies, the destruction events happen as part of the normal workflow and drug lifecycle management. During inventory and restocking, it’s quite common to discover that some drugs need to be discarded. Each time you get rid of a drug, the paperwork needs to be completed.
The problems and questions arise when manual paperwork doesn’t line up with reality.
Now, this doesn’t mean that your team had bad intent. In fact, most compliance issues aren’t because of diversion or theft. Most of the issues arise because manual steps are tricky.
Think of copying medication details by hand, entering quantities from one log or spreadsheet to another, chasing signatures and witnesses, deciphering handwriting, and rechecking totals because the numbers don’t add up. The biggest issue with manual tracking is how easy it is for records to be lost, misinterpreted, or damaged over time.
Factor all this into the many other responsibilities that first responders have, and compound that with the chaos of shift change, emergency response, and general exhaustion. It becomes pretty clear why manual documentation isn’t the best approach.
Should an audit come up (and it often does), one of the most important factors is reconciliation between those drug inventory logs and your destruction records. The records should include dates, quantities, and lot numbers. The records should also be easy to find when and if an audit occurs.
Make the job easier on yourself by storing completed forms in a way that’s clear and easy to retrieve later. That means digital files (but keep in mind that PDFs and shared drives can also get lost and messed up).
That’s why a tool like LogRx can help ensure that you’ve completed the proper documentation and you’re audit-ready any time.
How LogRx Supports DEA Form 41 Documentation
LogRx supports the DEA Form 41 documentation. It was built around the idea that documentation needs to be clear, simple, and first-responder-friendly. Moreover, it should come from a source of truth, which in EMS is your controlled substance tracking records.
LogRx makes it easy to automatically fill out your DEA Form 41, using the data you’ve already recorded as part of your team’s normal workflow.
When a medication is designated for destruction, LogRx pre-fills key fields from your inventory history like drug details, quantities, and associated events. Your team can focus on review and finalization, not retyping and piecing puzzles together.
With LogRx, you get faster paperwork, fewer errors, and a clean audit trail. The form is built directly from the same data you’re using to manage your controlled substance program. Compliance is less stressful when documentation is automatic.
LogRx and Other Form Support
LogRx helps make all your paperwork easier. Forms like the DEA 222 acquisition form are easier to manage when accurate inventory data is already available in a simple, user-friendly report.
LogRx stores images and helps you track inventory in a compliance-friendly way. You get end-to-end documentation continuity for the life of all controlled substances that you and your team may need to handle on the job.
When your inventory is tracked, and reports are easy to generate, you can quickly see what you have on hand. You can be proactive about ordering and inventory management. The data provided in the LogRx administrative dashboard gives you all the details you need to identify trends, monitor usage, and tell the story of each controlled substance in your organization’s purview.
One of the best features of LogRx is that it works directly from your team’s handheld devices, while they’re on the go. With a simple snap from their phone or tablet, they can scan in medication and log use fast, even while they’re on the go.
LogRx works out of range, too. Should your team lose cell service while in the field, they can still track, and the information will be updated automatically when they come in range. Real-time tracking is crucial for accuracy and simplicity. It saves the “what happened” scramble at the end of the day.
Compliance with controlled substance reporting rules may not be the most exciting thing on your administrative to-do list, but it protects your team and helps ensure you have exactly what you need on hand when your patients need it.
To see how seamlessly LogRx works with the DEA Form 41, reach out. We can demonstrate the process and show you what a difference that LogRx can make for your team. Make drug destruction reporting simple and fast with LogRx.
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always follow DEA requirements and your agency’s policies when handling and destroying controlled substances.
CDC Ebola Health Advisory: Guidance for EMS and 911
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Because One Thank You Isn’t Enough: Ninth Brain Celebrates EMS Week with 52 Scholarships
Frankenmuth, MI — In celebration of EMS Week 2026, Ninth Brain is proud to continue its annual tradition of supporting EMS professionals through educational opportunities. This year, in recognition of the 52nd anniversary of EMS Week, Ninth Brain will award 52 scholarships for EMS providers to attend EMS World Expo 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
Following the momentum of past years, Ninth Brain remains committed to investing in those who serve communities across the nation. The scholarship program—which has supported over one hundred EMS professionals through previous EMS Week initiatives—continues to reflect the organization’s long‑standing dedication to uplifting the EMS community.
Each scholarship recipient will receive full conference registration to EMS World Expo 2026. In addition, in‑person attendees will receive a $500 Visa gift card to assist with travel expenses, ensuring greater accessibility for all. Winners are also invited to stop by the Ninth Brain booth during the conference for a photo opportunity and exclusive Ninth Brain swag.
“EMS World Expo continues to expand each year as the largest and most impactful educational and networking experience for EMS professionals worldwide,” stated Jonathan Bassett, Senior Content and Program Director of EMS World. “We’re proud to renew this very popular partnership with Ninth Brain in allowing deserving EMS providers the opportunity to expand their expertise and engage with the top voices in prehospital care.”
“At Ninth Brain, we work behind the scenes to help EMS agencies stay prepared, compliant, and focused on what matters most — their people and their patients,” said Holly Taylor, Co‑Owner of Ninth Brain. “While we may not be on the front lines, we see the demands this profession places on individuals and organizations every single day. EMS providers carry an extraordinary responsibility, often with limited time, resources, and recognition. These scholarships are our way of saying thank you in a tangible, celebratory way. EMS Week is about honoring the past, supporting the present, and investing in the future of this profession — and we’re proud to stand alongside the EMS community in that mission.”
The scholarships are open to EMS Professionals across the United States who are 18 years of age or older. The application window opens on Monday, May 18th and closes on June 9th, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an extraordinary event!
Applications will be available at: https://ninthbrain.com/ems-week
About Ninth Brain
Ninth Brain Suite, LLC, established in 2001, offers a comprehensive software solution that assists EMS organizations in managing daily operations such as credential tracking, education, workforce scheduling, and compliance. With a robust suite of tools and real-time support, Ninth Brain helps streamline complex processes, allowing EMS professionals to focus on what they do best—saving lives.
Learn more at www.ninthbrain.com.
About EMS World
EMS World is a leading authority in prehospital care education, serving EMS professionals across all roles—EMTs, paramedics, educators, medical directors, administrators, and more. Through its publications, digital resources, and the annual EMS World Expo—one of the industry’s largest and most influential conferences—EMS World provides high‑quality clinical and operational insights to support the advancement of out‑of‑hospital care.
Learn more at www.emsworld.com.
Emergency Responder Alert: Cychlorphine – New Synthetic Opioid Threat
| What EMS Should Know: Overdose Risk, Potency and Detection Challenges |
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Celebrating EMS Clinicians: EMS Week 2026 – May 17-23
Celebrating EMS Clinicians:
EMS Week 2026 – May 17-23Improving Outcomes, Together
As we approach National EMS Week—May 17-23, 2026—National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of EMS would like to recognize our nation’s emergency medical services clinicians for their dedicated service. Thank you for helping your communities by caring for those in need, making critical decisions under pressure and providing lifesaving care.
The theme for EMS Week 2026, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” invites us to reaffirm our commitment, as partners and communities, to support advancements that save lives before patients reach the hospital. The National EMS Week Resource Center features downloadable content to help you plan and promote this special week in your community.
Save A Life Day, Thursday, May 21, is an ideal day to conduct Stop the Bleed, CPR training or other programs that educate the community about the essential role of EMS. It’s also an opportunity to host a blood drive in your community, highlighting the critical intervention of prehospital blood transfusion. Access a toolkit of resources to jump start organizing a blood drive today.
Access Blood Drive Toolkit
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Contact Us
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
2026 EMS Week Op-Ed Writing Structure Guide & Checklist
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National EMS Week 2026 Is Coming
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New Video: Connecting EMS, Highway Safety & Post-Crash Care
New Video Highlights Critical Response Capabilities
Help EMS, 911 and Highway Safety Work Together to Save Lives
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of EMS has released a new video explaining the vital role that EMS—in collaboration with 911 and highway safety—plays in responding to 1.5 million motor vehicle crashes every year. This short educational video joins a collection of OEMS resources, including a series of infographics, highlighting EMS’s role in post-crash care and the lifesaving impact of prehospital blood transfusion. These tools can be used as conversation starters to address the impact of EMS on transportation safety with a goal of developing joint projects through available funding opportunities (like the Safe Streets & Roads for All grant program).
Highlighting recent advancements in post-crash care, the video underscores critical response capabilities such as earlier crash detection, faster and more accurate dispatch, improved data sharing and innovations such as prehospital blood transfusion. These measures help EMS, 911 and highway safety partners improve coordination and access critical information and life-saving tools when seconds matter.
Watch Video
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Contact Us
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
MedPAC Commissioners Vote on Ambulance Recommendations
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Life-Assist Expands National Footprint to Deliver EMS Supplies Faster Nationwide
Life-Assist is expanding its national footprint with a new distribution facility in Charlotte, North Carolina strengthening our ability to deliver emergency medical supplies and equipment to First Responders across the United States.
This strategic East Coast expansion improves shipping speed, enhances product availability, and reinforces our commitment to EMS agencies, Fire Departments, and Law Enforcement who depend on reliable supply delivery every day.
Faster Delivery of Emergency Medical Supplies Across the U.S.
With distribution centers now in California, Kansas, and North Carolina, the Charlotte facility enables 1–2 day shipping across the continental United States, helping First Responders access critical EMS supplies and medical equipment faster.
Whether responding to emergencies, restocking essential gear, or preparing for large-scale incidents, dependable delivery timelines are essential and this expansion ensures greater speed and consistency nationwide.
As CEO Bryan Holliday shared:
“Expanding to the East Coast allows us to reduce product delivery timeframes, improve efficiency, strengthen product availability, and deepen our commitment to the heroes who count on us every day.”
Expanding Customer Support for First Responders
The Charlotte facility is more than a distribution center, it also includes a dedicated Customer Care team to extend live support hours.
At Life-Assist, we believe service should be personal. When customers call, they speak directly with knowledgeable team members, no automated systems, no phone trees. This direct support ensures faster answers, better service, and a smoother experience for EMS professionals in the field.
Supporting First Responders with an Ownership Mindset
As an employee-owned company, Life-Assist operates with a strong ownership mindset focused on long-term relationships, operational excellence, and meaningful support for the First Responder community.
This expansion reflects our continued investment in both infrastructure and service, ensuring we can meet growing demand while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
- Faster access to EMS supplies and emergency medical equipment
- More reliable nationwide delivery timelines
- Extended customer service hours with real, knowledgeable support
- Improved product availability across all regions
The Charlotte, North Carolina facility is part of a phased rollout, with a formal grand opening and full operational launch to be announced in the coming months.
As Life-Assist continues to grow, our focus remains the same: delivering the products, service, and reliability First Responders depend on every day.
About Life-Assist
Life-Assist is a national, employee-owned distributor of emergency medical supplies and equipment serving EMS, Fire Departments, and Law Enforcement agencies, across the United States. Since 1977, Life-Assist has been committed to supporting First Responders with dependable products, exceptional service, and relationships built on trust. https://www.life-assist.com/
Savvik | LIFE® Partnership, LogRx DEA Compliance, ImageTrend Bid Contract & RHTP Support
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Savvik is excited to announce a new partnership with LIFE CorporationLIFE® Corporation was founded in 1985 as a Manufacturer of medical devices and specializes in portable Emergency Oxygen and CPR administration equipment.
LIFE Corporation manufactures medical devices; easy-to-use portable first-aid Emergency Oxygen and CPR administration equipment. LIFE® first-aid Emergency Oxygen Unit Cylinders are shipped full of oxygen, ready-to-use and are easily replaceable or refillable. |
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How LogRx Supports Compliance Under the New Drug Enforcement Administration PPAEMA Legislation
The new PPAEMA legislation significantly raises the bar for EMS agencies managing controlled substances. LogRx is purpose-built to help you meet these expanded documentation, tracking, and reporting requirements – without increasing administrative burden on your crews. Simplified DEA Form Management
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Rural Health Transformation Program The Money Has Begun to MoveAmbulance providers must stay in close contact with state officials overseeing sub awards. Timely reporting to CMS is critical – delays or unmet program metrics may result in funds being recaptured and could impact future allocations. Ensure all progress updates and expenditures are submitted on schedule to avoid financial and operational risks.
When timelines are tight and compliance is crucial, Savvik is here to help you purchase using publicly bid, federally compliant contracts. |
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| Savvik Buying Group, 56 33rd Ave S, PMB 344, St Cloud, MN 56301, United States, 888-603-4426 |
How Ready Is EMS for Children?
Results of First Comprehensive Assessment of Pediatric Capabilities of EMS and Fire-Rescue Agencies Published
New Study Describes Nationwide Baseline of
Prehospital Pediatric Readiness
A new national study, published this week in Annals of Emergency Medicine, provides the first comprehensive understanding of pediatric capabilities of emergency medical services (EMS) and fire-rescue agencies across the United States. The results, which reflect the participation of 7,000 agencies, suggest progress and opportunity to strengthen prehospital care for the 3 million children who seek it annually. The assessment was developed and conducted through the National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP), an initiative of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program—part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration—in collaboration with leading prehospital and emergency care professional organizations.
Across participating agencies, the median Pediatric Readiness score was 66 out of 100, indicating a strong baseline to build on.
Key Findings
- PECC Impact: Fewer than half of agencies (38%) report having a pediatric emergency care coordinator (PECC)—someone responsible for overseeing pediatric training and care processes—yet the presence of a PECC is associated with consistently higher scores across every category measured, even in low-resourced, low-volume settings.
- Call Volume: Agencies that care for more children annually tend to have higher readiness scores, underscoring the need for repeat practice and advanced preparation, given pediatric call volume is not modifiable.
- Progress Achieved: Most agencies reported having the nationally recommended pediatric equipment and supplies, reflecting years of efforts driven by EMS and emergency care leaders and the EMSC Program.
For additional information and improvement resources visit the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project Results webpage.
Learn More
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Contact Us
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
What the New DEA PPAEMA Rule Means for EMS Agencies and How to Stay Compliant
Contributed by
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s final rule implementing the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act (PPAEMA) marks a turning point in how EMS agencies manage and document controlled substances.
For decades, EMS agencies operated in a regulatory environment that was functional but imperfect. Controlled substances were often handled under the DEA registration of a hospital, pharmacy, or medical director. While this approach allowed EMS agencies to deliver critical medications in the field, it left gaps in regulatory clarity and accountability.
The new DEA PPAEMA EMS registration rule changes that. For the first time, EMS agencies are formally recognized as DEA registrants in their own right. This designation brings long-needed clarity, but it also introduces direct responsibility for controlled substance compliance, documentation, and chain-of-custody tracking.
For EMS leaders, the PPAEMA isn’t just a regulatory technicality. It fundamentally changes how controlled substances must be tracked, documented, and reported. Understanding the implications of this rule, and how to comply with it, is essential for protecting your agency, your personnel, and your patients.
Why the DEA Created a New EMS Registration Category
The Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act was passed to address a longstanding disconnect between how EMS agencies operate and how DEA regulations were originally structured.
Traditional DEA regulations were written primarily for fixed facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. EMS agencies, by contrast, operate in highly mobile environments. Controlled substances move across vehicles, stations, shifts, and personnel on a daily basis. This mobility created compliance challenges. When controlled substances were registered under a hospital or physician’s DEA registration, questions could arise about who ultimately bore responsibility for documentation, reconciliation, and compliance. While many agencies developed strong internal processes, the regulatory framework did not always reflect operational reality.
The new PPAEMA rule resolves that ambiguity. EMS agencies can now obtain their own DEA registration, giving them clear authority, and clear responsibility, for managing controlled substances. This change aligns federal regulations with how EMS actually functions and ensures that accountability follows the organization that directly controls the medications. But with that clarity comes increased expectations.
What the New DEA EMS Rule Requires
Under the new PPAEMA rule that takes effect March 9th 2026, EMS agencies must maintain complete and accurate records documenting the lifecycle of every controlled substance.
The PPAEMA includes documentation of:
- Receipt and acquisition of controlled substances
- Storage and inventory tracking
- Transfers between locations or vehicles
- Administration to patients
- Partial waste and destruction
- Inventory reconciliation and auditing
Most importantly, these records must be “readily retrievable.”
This phrase carries specific weight in DEA PPAEMA compliance. It means that documentation must be accessible quickly and completely during an audit or inspection. Agencies must be able to demonstrate chain-of-custody continuity and inventory accuracy without relying on fragmented or incomplete records. The expectation is not simply that documentation exists, but that it is complete, accurate, and easily accessible. “From the DEA’s perspective, the most important thing isn’t whether an agency made a mistake, it’s whether they can demonstrate a complete chain of custody. If you can’t produce controlled substance records immediately, that’s when a routine inspection becomes a serious problem.” said retired DEA Special Agent Dennis Wichern, in a recent interview with LogRx Founder, Clive Savacool.
Increased Accountability for EMS Agencies
With EMS agencies now recognized as DEA registrants, the responsibility for compliance rests squarely with the agency itself. This means EMS leadership must ensure their organization can demonstrate:
- Full chain-of-custody documentation for all controlled substances
- Accurate and timely inventory tracking
- Complete documentation of administration, waste, and destruction
- Reliable audit-ready reporting
The PPAEMA requirements apply regardless of agency size. Whether managing a handful of vehicles or a large fleet across multiple stations, the expectation is the same: controlled substances must be tracked from acquisition through final disposition. This increased accountability protects both patients and providers. It creates transparency, reduces ambiguity, and ensures controlled substances are handled safely and appropriately. “The new EMS registration rule makes EMS agencies fully accountable for controlled substance tracking, and that changes everything.” said Wichern.
Why Manual Controlled Substance Tracking Creates Risk
Many EMS agencies still rely on paper narcotics logs, spreadsheets, or hybrid documentation systems. While these methods may feel familiar, they introduce inherent risks under the new PPAEMA regulatory framework.
Manual tracking systems rely heavily on human consistency and accuracy. Handwritten entries can be incomplete, illegible, or delayed. Paper records can be lost, damaged, or stored across multiple locations. Spreadsheets may lack audit trails or standardized workflows. These gaps often remain invisible until documentation is needed, such as during an audit, discrepancy investigation, or internal review. At that point, reconstructing chain-of-custody history becomes time-consuming and stressful.
Importantly, most documentation gaps do not arise from misconduct. They arise from the practical challenges of managing complex workflows in fast-paced emergency environments. But regardless of intent, incomplete documentation creates compliance risk.
The new DEA PPAEMA EMS rule makes it more important than ever for agencies to maintain reliable, consistent, and accessible controlled substance records.
DEA Audits and the Importance of Audit-Ready Documentation
DEA audits are designed to verify compliance with controlled substance regulations. Investigators typically review inventory records, chain-of-custody documentation, acquisition forms, and destruction records.
Agencies that maintain complete, well-organized records can demonstrate compliance efficiently and confidently.
Agencies with fragmented or incomplete documentation often face prolonged reviews, increased administrative burden, and potential compliance findings.
Audit readiness is no longer something agencies prepare for occasionally. Under the new rule, it must be built into daily operations.
Maintaining accurate, continuous documentation protects your agency, your staff, and your license to operate.
The Role of Technology in Modern EMS Controlled Substance Compliance
As regulatory expectations evolve such as the PPAEMA, so must the tools used to meet them. Digital EMS narcotics tracking systems provide a reliable way to maintain complete chain-of-custody documentation while reducing administrative burden. Instead of relying on paper logs or disconnected systems, digital tracking creates a continuous, time-stamped record of controlled substance activity.
This improves:
- Inventory accuracy
- Chain-of-custody visibility
- Audit readiness
- Documentation consistency
- Operational efficiency
When documentation is integrated into daily workflow, compliance becomes a natural byproduct of operations, not an after-the-fact administrative challenge. The reality is that the PPAEMA legislation is actually a good thing, with advocacy from groups like the National Association of Emergency Medical Physicians (NAEMSP) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), this legislation cemented the role of EMS in the world of first responders in their ability to carry controlled substances and a wide variety of narcotics. Other organizations, such as the American Ambulance Association (AAA) and other state level associations like the California Ambulance Association(CAA) have positive impacts on EMS providers and their ability to provide services to their communities.
Building a Compliance-Ready Controlled Substance Program
The new DEA PPAEMA EMS registration rule provides an opportunity for agencies to strengthen their controlled substance tracking programs. Compliance readiness begins with clear, consistent documentation processes supported by reliable tracking systems. Agencies should ensure they can quickly produce complete records documenting the acquisition, movement, administration, and destruction of controlled substances. Chain-of-custody continuity must be maintained across shifts, vehicles, and personnel. Leadership visibility is also essential. Administrators must be able to monitor inventory, identify discrepancies, and generate reports without relying on manual reconciliation. After all, your staff is only going to take something as serious as you do!
By strengthening documentation systems now, agencies can meet regulatory requirements confidently and avoid compliance risks. Risks that exist regardless of the PPAEMA rules.
How LogRx Supports Compliance Under the New DEA PPAEMA Legislation
LogRx helps EMS agencies meet the documentation, tracking, and reporting requirements established under the new PPAEMA legislation. LogRx helps make all your paperwork easier. Forms like the DEA 222 acquisition form are easier to manage when accurate inventory data is already available in a simple, user-friendly report. As well as the DEA 41 form, so controlled substances are tracked from cradle to grave.
LogRx stores images and helps you track inventory in a compliance-friendly way. You get end-to-end documentation continuity for the life of all controlled substances that you and your team may need to handle on the job.
When your inventory is tracked, and reports are easy to generate, you can quickly see what you have on hand. You can be proactive about ordering and inventory management. The data provided in the LogRx administrative dashboard gives you all the details you need to identify trends, monitor usage, and tell the story of each controlled substance in your organization’s purview.
One of the best features of LogRx is that it works directly from your team’s handheld devices, while they’re on the go. With a simple snap from their phone or tablet, they can scan in medication and log use fast, even while they’re on the go.
It isn’t just digital tracking that helps with maintaining compliance. Having secure locations is also critical with the narcotics chain of custody. This is why LogRx integrates seamlessly with the Knox Company’s MedVaultand Knox StationVault. Providing an all-encompassing solution.
“From a DEA compliance standpoint, controlled substances must be securely stored and accounted for at all times. It’s not enough to know that the medication is somewhere in your system, you must be able to demonstrate exactly where it was stored, who had access to it, and maintain continuous accountability from the moment it was received until it’s administered or destroyed.” – Dennis Wichern, Retired DEA Special Agent
LogRx works out of range, too. Should your team lose cell service while in the field, they can still track, and the information will be updated automatically when they come in range. Real-time tracking is crucial for accuracy and simplicity. It saves the “what happened” scramble at the end of the day.
Compliance with controlled substance reporting rules may not be the most exciting thing on your administrative to-do list, but it protects your team and helps ensure you have exactly what you need on hand when your patients need it.
To see how seamlessly LogRx works with the DEA 222 and 41 forms, as well as all your other compliance needs, reach out. We can demonstrate the process and show you what a difference that LogRx can make for your team. Make drug destruction reporting simple and fast with LogRx.
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always follow DEA requirements and your agency’s policies when handling and destroying controlled substances.
Visit the LogRx website at https://logrx.com/