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EMS.gov | Responding to Behavioral Health Emergencies

EMS News

Responding to Behavioral Health Emergencies

Don’t Miss this Virtual Symposium, August 2, 2024

The EMS community is increasingly tasked with responding to behavioral health emergencies. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the emergence of dedicated behavioral health response teams have enhanced support for those in crisis, but also present unique challenges in building impactful, sustainable collaborations.

Hosted by Coalition Psychiatric Emergencies, APHA Medical Care Section, National Association of EMS Physicians and American College of Emergency Physicians, join your EMS colleagues for this important virtual symposium to help your EMS agency prepare for behavioral health emergencies.

Responding to Behavioral Health Emergencies
August 2, 2024
10 am – 4 pm ET

Register Here

This free symposium will examine the call, the response and the destination for behavioral health emergencies and explore lessons learned regarding 988 and dedicated behavioral health response teams.

Key Topics Include:

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Learn how it supports those in crisis, including what help is available and how the EMS community can promote 988 for accessing care.
  • Behavioral Health Response Teams: Discover their success factors and differences from traditional EMS responses.
  • De-escalation Techniques: Understand the process of managing behavioral health crises and removing individuals from the scene.
  • Emergency Room Treatment: Explore treatment options, barriers to care, and assessments for ER versus dedicated behavioral health facilities.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to help your agency prepare for behavioral health emergencies.

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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
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EMS.gov | State EMS Bill Tracking Database Updated with Key Enacted Legislation

EMS News

State EMS Bill Tracking Database Updated with Key Enacted Legislation

NCSL.org features a searchable database of all state EMS legislation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) work together to create the EMS Legislative Database, which  provides up-to-date information about important EMS legislation nationwide

In 2023, 45 states and territories enacted 195 bills to address a variety of topics, including the anonymous surrender of infants to EMS providers, death benefits for EMS clinicians and other first responders, transport to alternative destinations, proclamation of EMS Week, allowable maximum rates for ground ambulance transportation, community paramedicine, reporting of overdose events and much more.

Visit EMS Legislation Database

The EMS Legislative Database offers a summary of enacted EMS legislation in an easy-to-use resource, allowing users to search legislation by topic, state, keyword, status, bill number, year (from 2021 to the present) and/or author. New legislation is added biweekly, and searchable topics include Administration, Funding, Rules, Systems and Workforce and subtopics within each.

For more information about the EMS Legislative Database, 2023 and 2024 Legislation updates or the State EMS Bill Tracking Database visit www.ncsl.org or contact Annie Kitch with NCSL at annie.kitch@ncsl.org.

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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

EMS.gov | On-Demand: EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment

EMS News

Webinar Recap & Materials:
EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent EMS Focus Webinar on EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment. If you were unable to join the live session or wish to revisit the discussions, we are pleased to announce that the webinar materials are now accessible online.

Now Available for Access:

  • Webinar Recording: Watch the session at your convenience to capture the full breadth of discussions.
  • Presentation Slides: Access the visual accompaniments to the webinar for a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered.
  • Transcript: Read the detailed transcript of the webinar for an in-depth review of the discussions
  • Q&A
Access Webinar Materials

About EMS Focus

EMS Focus provides a venue to discuss crucial initiatives, issues and challenges for EMS stakeholders and leaders nationwide. Be sure to visit ems.gov for information about upcoming webinars and to view past recordings.

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Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

EMS.gov | Commemorate National EMS Week

EMS News

NHTSA’s Office of EMS
Thanks You for Making Your Communities Healthier

The Office of EMS (OEMS) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is honoring our country’s EMS clinicians during EMS Week. Thank you for delivering high-quality, compassionate care to your patients on our roadways and in homes, schools and businesses across the country. We celebrate your commitment to your profession and to the safety and health of your communities.

Please download this customizable certificate of recognition from the Office of EMS to help you recognize your team this week. And, watch or share this special thank you message from Gam Wijetunge, Office of EMS Director and active volunteer paramedic.

Today is EMS Education day. NHTSA remains committed to supporting the education of the EMS workforce, a key factor in recruitment and retention of capable clinicians. Learn more about NHTSA’s efforts in education: from the refresh of the EMS Education Standards in 2020, to the upcoming development of the EMS Education Agenda 2050, to collaboration with our partners at the Federal Highway Administration to educate clinicians about Traffic Incident Management to reduce secondary crashes.

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Washington, DC 20590
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EMS.gov | EMS Day at the Museum and National Mall Event

EMS News

Join Us for “EMS Day at the Museum” and National Mall Event to Commemorate EMS Week

It’s the 50th anniversary of EMS Week and to celebrate this momentous occasion, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is presenting “EMS Day at the Museum. This day of events will explore the history of emergency medical services in the United States.

Wednesday, May 22, 12 to 4 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
First Floor West & Warner Bros. Theater

This special exhibit will trace the roots of EMS, beginning with field-care during Revolutionary and Civil War battles, to the very specialized care provided by modern-day emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Historical objects from the museum’s archives and vintage ambulances will also be on display. The exhibit will highlight Pittsburgh’s Freedom House Ambulance Service, one of the nations first ambulance services to offer emergency medical care, founded in 1967 and staffed by Black paramedics. The afternoon events will include a panel discussion about the life-saving medical care delivered by our nation’s EMS clinicians, featuring important figures in EMS, including John Moon, one of the Freedom House paramedics.

Learn More

The following day, Thursday, May 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 50th anniversary celebration will continue on the National Mall with the following events:

  • Antique ambulances on display
  • Hands-on Hearts CPR training
  • Stop the Bleed and tourniquet application training
  • Table demonstration of the new DC Fire & EMS Whole Blood Program
  • Presentations from national EMS organizations (1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Join representatives from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (NHTSA’s OEMS), the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS) Foundation as they host these two special events.

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Washington, DC 20590
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NHTSA | What Are the Potential Applications for AI in EMS?

EMS News

What Are the Potential Applications for AI in EMS and Transportation?

DOT’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure Requests Information

What are the potential applications, opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) related to EMS and transportation? The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency—Infrastructure (ARPA-I) has announced a Request for Information (RFI) on this topic.

AI has the potential to transform many elements of EMS and this is an opportunity for the EMS community to weigh in on emerging AI technology as it relates to transportation. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain input from a broad array of stakeholders on AI opportunities, challenges and related issues in transportation pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14110 of October 30, 2023 entitled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence”. NHTSA’s Office of EMS (OEMS) encourages the EMS community to provide their input on transportation-related opportunities and challenges of AI, including software-defined AI enhancements impacting autonomous mobility ecosystems.

PROVIDE COMMENTS

Please submit any written comments by 7/2/2024 on the regulations.gov portal. Note that all submissions, including any personal information provided, will be posted and will be available to the public on https://www.regulations.gov.

For more information, please email ARPA-I@dot.gov or contact Timothy A. Klein, Director, Techno

EMS.gov | New Resources Address Important EMS Issues

EMS News

New Resources Address Important EMS Issues

The Latest Updates on Highway Safety Regulations, Rural EMS Education and Special Pathogens

Updating the Highway Safety Improvement Program

The Federal Highway Administration has announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to update the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) regulations. These regulations address provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” (BIL), and reflect current priorities and state-of-practice. The proposed changes would strengthen and advance the safety and equity priorities of the Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and help states make safety gains to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. Comments must be received on or before April 22, 2024.

Learn More

Quality Improvement Course for Rural EMS

The Rural EMS Quality Improvement Basics Course, from Stratis Health, introduces rural EMS providers to the concept of quality improvement (QI). The program, which was initially designed for the staff of healthcare organizations, has been modified to meet the needs of rural EMS by dividing the QI concept into three distinct levels that build upon each other. The Rural EMS Quality Improvement Basics Course links to the relevant portions of the original healthcare program, while also providing content and examples relevant to rural EMS providers.

Learn More

EMS Model Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC) has launched a new set of model procedural guidelines designed to manage high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) patient encounters. EMS Model Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens is designed to improve the safety of EMS professionals as well as safeguard public health. EMS agencies are encouraged to use the guidelines to create SOPs for transporting and managing patients with a HCID. The guide features step-by-step instructions that can be incorporated into EMS agencies’ existing policies and procedures.

View The Guidelines

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EMS.gov Webinar | EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment

EMS Focus
WEBINAR

EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment

Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS on March 22 at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT


According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, “harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.” This can include improving access to naloxone (Narcan) to prevent death from opioid overdose, providing sterile syringes to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C, and fentanyl testing programs, among other types of help.

EMS clinicians are often on the frontline of addiction and the unintended consequences of both legal and illicit drug use and substance use disorder (SUD). In addition, drug use greatly impacts the larger context of our nation’s roads and highways through impaired driving and the resulting risks to the impaired driver, other drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A 2022 NHTSA study of seven trauma centers around the U.S. found that nearly 56% of people injured or killed on roadways tested positive for one or more drugs, including alcohol. The most prevalent drug category was cannabis, and opioids made up 8.5% of cases at the trauma centers.

In this EMS Focus webinar, panelists will discuss:

  • Harm reduction and SUD treatment in the context of EMS care
  • Recent research
  • How innovation and intervention can drive overdose prevention in your community and reduction of other health risks, including traffic crashes that may be a result of impaired driving
REGISTER NOW

Panelists Include:

  • Kate Elkins, Emergency Medical Services/911 Specialist, NHTSA’s Office of EMS (moderator)
  • Gerard Carroll, M.D., EMS Medical Director, Cooper University Health Care; Division Head of EMS/Disaster Medicine; and Program Director, EMS Fellowship Program
  • John Ehrhart, Paramedic; EMS Manager, San Diego Health Connect; Co-Founder, California Paramedic Foundation; and Founder, Mission Critical Protocols
  • Simon Taxel, Paramedic Crew Chief and Public Safety Diver, Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS; Bloomberg Fellow, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

About EMS Focus

EMS Focus provides a venue to discuss crucial initiatives, issues and challenges for EMS stakeholders and leaders nationwide. Be sure to visit ems.gov for information about upcoming webinars and to view past recordings.

We are committed to providing equal access to this webinar for all participants. Persons with disabilities in need of an accommodation should contact nhtsa.ems@dot.gov to request an accommodation no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.

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Recent Announcements and New Resources on EMS.gov

From EMS.gov on January 24, 2024

EMS News

Recent Announcements

TODAY: Rural Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Training Grant Pre-Application Webinar

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is hosting a webinar scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 4:00 PM ET, discussing the application process for the Rural Emergency Medical Service Training Grant program. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to recruit and train EMS personnel in rural areas with a particular focus on addressing substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) substance use and mental disorders.

Registration is not required for participation and a recording will be made available on the SAMHSA.gov.

Access Webinar Information Here

 

Volpe Center SBIR Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Volpe Center has announced the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program FY24.1 research topics and Phase I Pre-Solicitation. The pre-solicitation period for feedback ends February 6.

Review SBIR Pre-Solicitation Notice

New Resources Available on EMS.gov

Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria – 6th Edition

Visit EMS.gov to review the 6th edition of the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) recently released by NHTSA. This voluntary guideline represents a minimum, standardized set of data variables to describe motor vehicle traffic crashes in an effort to identify traffic safety problems and design countermeasures to improve driver and roadway safety. The January 2024 MMUCC guideline features the NEMSIS Universal Unique Identifier and many critical data elements specific to emergency vehicle crashes, providing more information on the people involved in these crashes as well as secondary and move-over crash data.

View Publication

 

New NIOSH Safety and Health Advisory

The latest NIOSH Safety and Health Advisory educates fire service professionals on the importance of quickly removing an unresponsive firefighter from turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus as well as available training techniques. NIOSH co-authored this resource with the leading national experts from the American Red Cross, Butler County Community College Public Safety Training Facility and the Firefighter Down-CPR creators (Christopher Watford and Mike Herbert).

View Advisory

 

Airway Management EBG Article

Airway management is the foundation of EMS care. The newly published Evidence Based Guideline (EBG) for prehospital airway management is based on the systematic review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and includes recommendations on the different PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) questions and good practice statements that summarize and operationalize these recommendations, offering EMS agencies and clinicians an opportunity to review and update their airway management strategies.

View New EBG

 

NEMSQA-Led Lights and Siren Collaborative Improves EMS Safety with Comprehensive Change Package

The National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA) has released Improving Safety in EMS: Reducing the Use of Lights and Sirena change package detailing the results, lessons learned and change strategies developed during the Lights and Siren Collaborative project. This newly released report is designed to improve EMS safety by making improvements to the use of lights and sirens.

View Report

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EMS.gov | National Engagement Open Now for NERIS Draft Data Framework

The US Fire Administration (USFA) and Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) have announced the commencement of a national engagement period for the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) Draft Data Framework. This period will end on January 19, 2024.

The EMS community is invited to offer feedback on the Draft Core NERIS Data Framework, which includes essential data schemas crucial for NERIS operations, designed to provide the EMS and fire community with the necessary data and tools for improved decision-making and enhanced incident preparedness. These schemas include:

  • Incident Data schema, ensuring detailed and accurate recording of incident specifics for effective response and analysis
  • Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) schema, designed for capturing incident timing, location, and initial types
  • Fire Department Specification schema, characterizing fire department capabilities and community coverage

Access the Draft NERIS Data Framework and submit feedback by January 19, 2024. To submit feedback, access the feedback submission form below after reviewing the Framework.

Submit Feedback

For accessibility requests or further assistance, please contact NERIS@ul.org.

EMS.gov | Input Requested: EMS Education Agenda 2050

EMS News

Input Requested: EMS Education Agenda 2050

NHTSA plans community-lead revision of 1996 Education Agenda, tackling education to clinicians

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking public comment regarding the upcoming revision of the 2000 EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach. This new effort will apply the concepts of the EMS Agenda 2050 to EMS Education and the profession’s standing in the U.S. The output of this community effort will be EMS Education Agenda 2050, setting the path for the development of “EMS clinicians of the future” as identified in the EMS Agenda 2050.

Responses from the EMS community to specific questions provided are essential to create a successful framework for this revision.

Provide Comments

NHTSA encourages insights from a diverse range of sources, including but not limited to the public, private sectors, government agencies, academia, and other stakeholders. The primary focus of this initiative is to gauge the progression of the integrated national education system for EMS personnel over the decades. Input from the EMS community is crucial to this endeavor.

Comments may be submitted here through March 31, 2024. For further information, contact Clary Mole, EMS Specialist at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at Clary.Mole@dot.gov.

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NHTSA | Updated Ground Ambulance Crash Safety Materials Available

EMS News

Updated Ground Ambulance Crash Safety Materials Available

Comprehensive Analysis and Safety Recommendations for Ambulance Crashes

Ground ambulance crashes remain one of the leading causes of death on the job among EMS personnel. NHTSA Office of EMS and NEMSIS have released updated resources demonstrating the significant impact of proper restraint use for both patients and clinicians on the outcome of ambulance crashes.

These new materials, now available on ems.gov, provide an in-depth look at the latest data and recommendations to improve ground ambulance safety. Expanding on the initial 2011 study, this report examines NCSA crash data over a seven-year period and information gathered from investigations of fatal ambulance crashes.

Significantly, the data underscores a prevalent underutilization of proper restraint mechanisms in ambulance crash incidents. These findings offer observations that agencies can incorporate into training and protocol development. By leveraging these resources, organizations have the potential to establish more robust safety standards, directly benefiting both clinicians and patients.

New Resources Available:

Analysis of Ground Ambulance Crash Data from 2012-2018: Delivers updated data and trends in ground ambulance-involved crashes

Ground Ambulance Crashes Presentation: 2012-2018 Data: Provides a visual overview of recent data and key safety recommendations

Ground Ambulance Infographic: 2012-2018 Data: Offers a concise, graphical summary of safety statistics

 

View Safety Resources

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NEMSAC | Meeting August 9-10

 

EMS News

Register Now: National EMS Advisory Council Meeting August 9-10

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) will host a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 1:00 pm ET, and Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 12:00 pm ET. The meeting will highlight EMS program updates, share new initiatives and innovations and provide an opportunity for facilitated discussion and public comment. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting virtually.

Location:
Yours Truly Hotel DC
1143 New Hampshire Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20037
Virtual webcast available

Register Now

Items on the agenda include:

  • Updates from OEMS and FICEMS Chairperson
  • NRSS and Post-Crash Care update
  • Subcommittee reports on advisories in progress, including:
    • Adaptability and innovation
    • Equitable patient care
    • Preparedness and education
    • Professional safety
    • Sustainability and efficiency
    • Integration and technology
    • Ambulance crashes
  • Guest Presentations
    • Day 1: Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative with Jon Krohmer, MD
    • Day 2: Medical Countermeasures for First Responders with Judith Laney, PhD

Registrants who wish to address the Council during the public comment periods can submit comments in writing to NHTSA.NEMSAC@dot.gov by August 5, 2023. Questions and comments for the Council may also be presented using the live chat feature.

About NEMSAC

NEMSAC meets several times a year to discuss concerns facing the EMS community. Members of NEMSAC provide counsel and recommendations regarding EMS to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all program participants. Persons with disabilities in need of accommodation should send their request to Clary Mole by phone at (202) 868-3275 or by email to Clary.Mole@dot.gov no later than July 27, 2023. A sign language interpreter and closed captioning services can be provided through the Zoom meeting platform upon request.

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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
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nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

 

NCSL EMS Legislative Database

EMS News

National Database of EMS Legislation Now Available

Up-to-date, real-time information about state-enacted EMS legislation at NCSL.org

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) have worked together to create an online resource called the EMS Legislative Database, which provides up-to-date, real-time information about enacted EMS legislation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

The EMS Legislative Database offers a summary of key enacted EMS legislation in an easy-to-use resource allowing you to search legislation by year, state, topic, keyword, status or primary sponsor. New legislation is added weekly.

Visit Database

Searchable topics include:

  • Administration: EMS as an Essential Service, Quality Assurance and State EMS Office
  • Funding: Changes in Funding Structure, Fees, Service fees and Surcharges
  • Rules: Aeromedical Services, EMSC Activities, Good Samaritan Laws and Progress/Impacts to NEMSIS
  • Systems: STEMI, Stroke and Trauma
  • Workforce: Classification of EMS and 911 Providers, Interstate Compacts and Licensure of EMS Professionals

In 2022, at least 39 states and territories enacted 113 bills to address various challenges in the EMS community, including the supply of EMS clinicians, limited funding, violence against EMS clinicians, long ambulance offload times and supply chain delays.

For more information about the EMS Legislative Database, 2022 Legislation updates or the State EMS Bill Tracking Database visit www.ncsl.org or contact Annie Kitch with NCSL at annie.kitch@ncsl.org and Kate Elkins with the NHTSA Office of EMS at katherine.elkins@dot.gov.

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NEMSIS 2021 Public Dataset Now Available for Research

EMS News

Data from Nearly 49 Million EMS Activations in 2021 Now Available for Research

Additionally, National EMS Database reaches important milestone as 50 states, D.C. and 3 U.S. territories are now submitting patient care data

The National Emergency Medical Services Information System Technical Assistance Center (NEMSIS TAC) announced the release of the 2021 Public-Release Research Dataset, the largest publicly available data of emergency medical services (EMS) activations in the U.S.

The dataset includes information from patient care reports from nearly 49 million EMS activations submitted by almost 14,000 EMS agencies serving communities across the country. Collected at the local level by individual EMS clinicians responding to calls and caring for patients, this data provides EMS agencies, states and the nation with critical insights for quality improvement, resource deployment, public health surveillance and more.

Since the NEMSIS data standard and National EMS Database were created with support from the NHTSA Office of EMS, researchers have used the data to study numerous important clinical and operational issues. This year alone, National EMS data has been used in articles addressing airway management, socioeconomic disparities, cardiac arrest, stroke and overdoses, just to name a few.

To learn more about the NEMSIS 2021 Public-Release Research Dataset, including how to request a copy of the dataset for research, visit nemsis.org, where you’ll find access to tutorials as well as online and pdf forms to request the data.

Learn More About the Dataset

NHTSA and the NEMSIS Technical Assistance Center also recently celebrated the addition of Delaware to the list of states and territories submitting EMS data to the National EMS Database–meaning information from EMS activations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and three additional U.S. territories are now being collected. This means an even more robust, complete picture of EMS across the country will be available to policymakers and researchers in the future.

New Dataset Image

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EMS.Gov | Know the Signs of Monkeypox

EMS News

Recognize Monkeypox
In Prehospital Settings

EMS and healthcare clinicians should know the signs of Monkeypox

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) is providing updates about the recently evolving situation regarding the spread of Monkeypox, a rare but potentially serious viral disease. Monkeypox has emerged in countries in which it is not normally found, including the United States. To ensure early detection and isolation of the infected, EMS/prehospital and hospital clinicians should be on alert for signs of the disease.

Monkeypox can spread between humans via contact with skin lesions and infected respiratory droplets. It is important to recognize and report cases of the disease to the local public health department for surveillance purposes.

Visit the link above or review these EMS strategies for preventing the spread of monkeypox:

If you suspect a case of Monkeypox, contact your state health department for possible initiation of special pathogen transport protocols.

More Information

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NEMSAC | Webcast May 11-12

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) will host a virtual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, May 11-12, 2022. Members of the public can register for the webcast here.

The NEMSAC meets several times each year to discuss issues facing the EMS community. Members of NEMSAC provide counsel and recommendations regarding EMS to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS).

Daily agendas include time for NEMSAC subcommittee deliberations in the morning and the publicly webcasted portion of the meetings begin at 1:00 pm ET, Wednesday, May 11, 2022, and 12:00 pm ET on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Items on the agenda include:

  • Updates from Federal Emergency Services Liaisons
  • Discussion about FICEMS & NHTSA Initiatives
  • Subcommittee Reports
  • Public comment

Individuals registered for the meeting who wish to address the council during the public comment periods can review the current draft and interim advisories and submit comments in writing to NHTSA.NEMSAC@dot.gov by 5:00 pm ET on May 3, 2022.

Draft advisories:

Interim advisory:

This meeting will be open to the public. NHTSA is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all program participants. Persons with disabilities in need of accommodation should send their request to Clary Mole by phone at (202) 868-3275 or by email at Clary.Mole@dot.gov no later than May 3, 2022. A sign language interpreter will be provided and closed captioning services will be provided for this meeting through the WebEx virtual meeting platform.

Register Now

Notice of Public Meeting: This notice announces a meeting of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC).

www.federalregister.gov

National EMS Advisory Council Meeting Webcast Feb. 9-10

From EMS.gov on January 27, 2022

Register Now for the National EMS Advisory Council Meeting Webcast Feb. 9-10

The National EMS Advisory Council will be holding a virtual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, February 9-10. Members of the public can register for the webcast here.

NEMSAC meets several times each year to discuss issues facing the EMS community and provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the Department of Transportation and to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS.

The agenda for each day includes time for NEMSAC subcommittee deliberations in the morning, with the webcast council meeting convening at 12:00 pm ET on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, and 1 pm ET on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Items on the council’s agenda include:

– FICEMS COVID-19 Response

– National Suicide Hotline Update

– Reviewing the Need for EMS and Obstetric Collaboration

– Rural, Tribal and Frontier EMS Challenges

– Improving Stroke Triage and Transport Protocols for EMS

– Public Comment

Individuals registered for the meeting interested in addressing the council during the public comment periods must submit their comments in writing to Clary Mole at clary.mole@dot.gov by 5pm ET on February, 3, 2022.

This meeting will be open to the public. NHTSA is committed to provide equal access to this meeting for all program participants.  Persons with disabilities in need of an accommodation should send your request to Clary Mole by phone at (202) 868-3275 or by email at Clary.Mole@DOT.gov no later than February 3, 2022. A sign language interpreter will be provided, and closed captioning services will be provided for this meeting through the WebEx virtual meeting platform.

NHTSA Office of EMS Annual Update

The NHTSA Office of EMS continues to work with our partners to advance EMS systems and support EMS clinicians serving on the front lines. Together, we are striving to achieve the vision of a people-centered EMS system put forth in EMS Agenda 2050.

Thank you to all who have helped make great strides in 2021, even in the face of some of the greatest challenges we’ve ever faced as a profession—and a country. This year’s NHTSA Office of EMS Annual Update highlights some of the work happening at the national level, including:

  • Newly revised National EMS Education Standards
  • Evidence-based guidelines to support safe and effective patient care
  • Advances in EMS data collection and analysis
  • The COVID-19 response

Click here to read our summary of 2021 accomplishments and review the status of ongoing projects. Most important, look for ways that you can get involved in national efforts to improve EMS and create a better future for our profession, our patients and our communities.

Read the 2021 Annual Report

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