Tag: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

EMS.gov | Input Requested: EMS Education Agenda 2050

Written by AAA Staff on November 27, 2023. Posted in Regulatory.

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

Crash Responder Safety Week, November 13–17, 2023

Written by AAA Staff on November 10, 2023. Posted in Regulatory.

Take Part in Crash Responder Safety Week, November 13–17, 2023

Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) takes place November 13 –17, 2023. Emergency medical services (EMS) and other emergency responders provide care and support to those injured on our roadways due to a crash. These traffic incident responders put their lives at risk when clearing each of the nearly 7 million annual motor vehicle crashes or the broader range of incidents such as stalled vehicles or roadway debris. EMS provides clinical care at 1.5 million of those crashes according to National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) data.

This year’s focus is “Protect Those Who Protect You,” emphasizing the public’s role in keeping responders safe while responders improve the safety for all road users. This recognition effort will honor responders, provide an overview of activities taking place across the country and connect all responder stakeholders to kickoff this important week.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program, a traffic incident responder is struck and killed nearly every week, and many more traffic incident responders sustain life-altering injuries. When a traffic incident responder or a response vehicle is struck, the impacts are far reaching — putting a greater long-term strain on limited resources that service the broad community needs.

Your Role in Crash Responder Safety Week:

Encourage traffic incident responders in your community to take the free, 4-hour National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder training available online through the National Highway Institute or in person through TIM Coordinators within each State. Nearly 700,000 responders have completed this training to date.
Make an extra effort this week to increase public education activities to inform drivers about your State’s Slow Down, Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down, and, if possible, to move over when approaching incident response vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, tow trucks, safety service patrols and municipal or utility vehicles.
Public safety and EMS agencies are encouraged to attend the webinar and customize these promotional materials for each day’s theme and share them widely to increase awareness and promote safety on the road.

Register for the Webinar

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

NHTSA | Updated Ground Ambulance Crash Safety Materials Available

Written by AAA Staff on October 2, 2023. Posted in Operations, Patient Care.

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

Written by AAA Staff on July 24, 2023. Posted in Regulatory.

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
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

NHTSA’s Office of EMS Contributes to New Study Analyzing Suicide Among EMS and 911

Written by AAA Staff on May 27, 2023. Posted in Employee Wellness.

NHTSA’s Office of EMS Contributes to New Study Analyzing Suicide Among EMS and 911

National Violent Death Reporting System data indicates that first responders made up 1% of all suicides from 2015-2017. As part of NHTSA’s Office of EMS’ (OEMS) ongoing efforts to support the mental health of first responders, the Office participated in a new study characterizing suicides among first responders and identifying potential opportunities for additional data collection. OEMS Specialist Kate Elkins, MPH, CPH, NRP, CHES, co-authored the study drawing on her experience at OEMS and the National 911 Program, as well as her background in emergency medical services, disaster response, public health and injury prevention.

Published in The Journal of Safety Research, “An analysis of suicides among first responders ─ Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2015–2017,” examines the factors contributing to higher suicide rates among first responders, including EMS clinicians. Risk factors and selected sociodemographics and characteristics were compared.

READ MORE

The study provides a small glimpse into the stressors contributing to suicide and indicates that more detailed research could inform suicide prevention efforts and interventions among the first responder workforce.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.

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

NEMSAC | Private and Fire-based EMS: Join the National EMS Advisory Council

Written by AAA Staff on March 27, 2023. Posted in Regulatory.

Interested in Applying for NEMSAC?

Please contact the American Ambulance Association at info@ambulance.org.

Private and Fire-based EMS: Join the National EMS Advisory Council

Applications for two-year term are due April 13, 2023

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking applications for appointment to the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). Joining NEMSAC is an ideal way to be a part of the national conversation on issues impacting the EMS community.

Applications must be received on or before 5 p.m. EDT, April 13, 2023.

Learn More

About NEMSAC

NEMSAC was established by the DOT to provide information, advice and recommendations on matters relating to all aspects of the development and implementation of EMS and 911. The Council is made up of 25 members representing sectors of the EMS and 911 communities. The broad-based membership ensures representation of sufficient EMS system expertise, as well as geographic and demographic diversity, to accurately reflect the EMS community as a whole.

Qualifications

Members will be selected for their ability to reflect a balanced representation of interests from across the EMS community. Qualified individuals interested in serving on the NEMSAC are invited to apply by submitting the required materials outlined in the Federal Register Notice.

NEMSAC is seeking to fill the following vacancies:

Private EMS
Fire-based EMS

Applications for membership should be submitted by the deadline to:

Email: NEMSAC@dot.gov

Mail: Use only overnight mail such as UPS or FedEx to:

U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Emergency Medical Services
Attn: NEMSAC c/o Clary Mole
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E., NPD 400, W44-321
Washington, D.C. 20590

For further details about the application process or committee-related questions, contact Clary Mole with the NHTSA Office of EMS at Clary.Mole@dot.gov or 202-868-3275. Visit EMS.gov for more information on NEMSAC.

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

NEMSAC | Draft Letters Regarding DOT Efforts in Post-Crash Care

Written by AAA Staff on September 30, 2022. Posted in Regulatory.

Provide Input: Draft NEMSAC Letters Regarding DOT Efforts in Post-Crash Care

EMS and 911 professionals can provide feedback on proposed

suggestions or offer additional recommendations

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) has drafted responses to questions posed to the EMS and 911 community by NHTSA. The attached drafts are open for public comment and input prior to formal submission to NHTSA. Please review the attached draft letters which address:

How to Participate: Please provide feedback regarding the responses drafted by the NEMSAC in the two letters attached to this email. Comments and questions must be submitted to NHTSA.NEMSAC@dot.gov by October 21, 2022, at 5 pm ET.

Read more about the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS).

Submit Written Comment

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Webinar 7/21 | How 988, Crisis Response, and EMS Can Improve Community Care

Written by AAA Staff on July 18, 2022. Posted in Regulatory.

WEBINAR

Working Together: How 988, Crisis Response, and EMS Can Improve Community Care

Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS on July 21, 2022, at 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT

Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS in collaboration with the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this webinar will discuss opportunities for collaboration between the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), crisis response, and EMS communities. Launched in July, 988 will be a new three-digit number for the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This system, in collaboration with 911 centers and first responders, is designed to support nationwide improvements in behavioral and mental health emergency responses.

EMS clinicians will hear from their peers engaging with 988 and crisis response teams about challenges and successes, and how to navigate interoperability between 911, 988, EMS, and other response agencies. Hear from both urban and rural agencies about how their collaboration with crisis response partners has made a meaningful difference in their communities.

Tune in for lessons learned in addressing barriers between these critical players in emergency response and providing improved resources in behavioral health incidents.

Register Now

Panelists Include:

NHTSA Office of EMS: Kate Elkins

International Association of EMS Chiefs: Daniel Gerard

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Richard McKeon

National EMS Management Association: Sean Caffrey

Gunnison Regional 911 Authority: Jodie Chinn

Gunnison Valley Health: Kimberly Behounek

Attendees will be encouraged to submit questions during any point of the discussion. The webinar and Q&A will last approximately one hour. Sign up to get email updates about this webinar series, new projects and more.

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 Tuesday, July 19.

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

NEMSIS 2021 Public Dataset Now Available for Research

Written by AAA Staff on July 5, 2022. Posted in Regulatory.

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.

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

NHTSA’s Office of EMS Thanks You for Your Service

Written by AAA Staff on May 18, 2022. Posted in News, Uncategorized.

The Office of EMS (OEMS) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is celebrating our nation’s dedicated EMS clinicians during National EMS Week, May 15-21, 2022. We would like to thank you for your commitment to providing high-quality care and compassion to your patients. Your work makes your communities safer and healthier every day.

Please take a moment to watch this video to hear a special message from OEMS Director, Gam Wijetunge, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for EMS clinicians nationwide.

This year’s EMS Week theme is “Rising to the Challenge,” addressing the courage and perseverance EMS clinicians demonstrate every day. Despite the obstacles, EMS clinicians remain dedicated to treating patients in the face of a continued pandemic response while handling the typical challenges of working in EMS.

Take advantage of this opportunity to educate others about all that you and your fellow clinicians do, like Office of EMS EMS Specialist, Kate Elkins, featured on an episode of the Everything is Public Health podcast, scheduled for release on May 19, 2022.

From all of us here at the Office of EMS, NHTSA, and the Department of Transportation: Thank you.

Deadline Approaches for Public Safety Input on Annual Grant Program

Written by AAA Staff on May 18, 2022. Posted in News.

EMS & 911 Can Comment on
Funding Needs & Impact on Highway Safety

The Office of EMS and the National 911 Program—housed within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the U.S. DOT—encourage 911 and EMS professionals to provide input about their annual Highway Safety Grant Program. The DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy describes the major actions the DOT will take to significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways, including specific references to the role that EMS and 911 systems play in this effort.

How to Participate: NHTSA seeks feedback on its formula grant program which awards more than $630 million annually to carry out highway safety programs nationwide. EMS and 911 systems play an important role in efforts that are funded through this grant program.

NHTSA published a Request for Comment (RFC) in the Federal Register to solicit feedback on the upcoming changes to the Highway Safety Grant Program. The RFC will be open for comment until May 23, 2022.

Submit Written Comment

For more information, please visit the Federal Register website and email questions to nhtsaropdprogramquestions@dot.gov.

NHTSA Names New 911 Program Coordinator

Written by AAA Staff on May 11, 2022. Posted in News, Press, Uncategorized.

Please see the following statement from NHTSA announcing their newly named 911 Program Coordinator

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Emergency Medical Services announced today that Brian Tegtmeyer, ENP (Emergency Number Professional) will assume the role of National 911 Program Coordinator effective May 9, 2022.

Mr. Tegtmeyer brings more than 26 years of experience in the field of public safety communications to the position.

“NHTSA’s long-term commitment to supporting 911 systems continues with the selection of Brian as the new coordinator for the National 911 Program,” said Gam Wijetunge, Director of the Office of EMS. “His deep knowledge of 911 systems and history of working within the 911 community, at a state, regional and national level is the experience needed to collaborate on updating and improving 911 across the nation.”

Brian began his career as a dispatcher at Hazel Crest Illinois Police Department and continued serving in various leadership roles in 911 systems before assuming his most recent position as Executive Director of DuPage Public Safety Communications in 2007. There he managed a 911 center with 44 agencies that serves a population of over 850,000 citizens.

“Next Generation 911 is the future of public safety communications. This evolution will impact every aspect of a communications center from the technology to operations to our most valuable resource—our telecommunicators,” said Tegtmeyer. “I am excited to join the National 911 Program’s efforts to help state and local 911 systems provide optimal 911 services to their communities.”

Brian has spent over a decade as a national educator teaching Public Safety Telecommunicator courses. He has also been an active member of multiple public safety organizations, including the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and has been active in Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforces (TERT) on a state and national level.

Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Western Michigan University and also served as a firefighter-EMT at the start of his career.

NEMSAC | National EMS Advisory Council Meeting Webcast March 2–3

Written by AAA Staff on February 16, 2022. Posted in Regulatory.

The National EMS Advisory Council will be holding a virtual meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, March 2-3. 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, March 2, 2022, and 1 pm ET on Thursday, March 3, 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 24, 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 24, 2022. A sign language interpreter will be provided, and closed captioning services will be provided for this meeting through the WebEx virtual meeting platform.

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

National EMS Advisory Council Meeting Webcast Feb. 9-10

Written by AAA Staff on January 27, 2022. Posted in Regulatory.

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.

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

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 Names New Office of EMS Director

Written by AAA Staff on January 13, 2022. Posted in AAA HQ, News, Press, Regulatory.

From NHTSA on January 13, 2022

Long-time OEMS Staff member assumes leadership role

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced that Gamunu Wijetunge, NRP, will assume the role of Director of the Office of EMS effective January, 29, 2022.

Gamunu “Gam” Wijetunge, who has worked within NHTSA’s Office of EMS for more than 20 years, is also a volunteer paramedic, fire captain and the president
of a volunteer rescue squad in Maryland. He will assume the director role — which is also responsible for the National 911 Program housed within the Office of EMS — following the retirement of Jon Krohmer, M.D., FACEP, FAEMS.

“For many years, Gam has been a leader within NHTSA’s Office of EMS, an
advocate for clinicians, and a trusted colleague for both Federal partners and Fire/EMS organizations,” said Dr. Krohmer. “His commitment to collaboration within the EMS community may be best illustrated through his stewardship of EMS Agenda 2050, which sets a clear path for the continued improvement of people-centered EMS systems for the next 30 years.”

Throughout his tenure at NHTSA, Gam has played an integral collaborative role in the development of EMS systems nationwide. These include leading efforts to:

Develop evidence-based guidelines and tackle EMS system improvement issues
Address recruiting, retention, clinician safety and other EMS workforce topics
Improve national EMS preparedness through coordination with other Federal agencies
Facilitate consensus and collaboration within leadership and working groups of the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS).

“I am thrilled to continue the office’s collaborative work side-by-side with our Federal partners, EMS stakeholders nationwide, and my colleagues at NHTSA,” said Gam. “I look forward to continuing Jon’s good work to support state, regional and local EMS and 911 agencies as we strive to advance our people-centered EMS and 911 systems.”

Wijetunge has a Bachelors’ Degree in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Master of Public Management from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has several professional affiliations and has been recognized repeatedly for outstanding performance and federal service, including most recently the HHS/ASPR COVID-19 Pandemic Civilian Service Medal in 2021.

Congratulations to Gamunu Wijetunge, the newly-appointed Director of @NHTSAgov's Office of #EMS! We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure #mobilehealthcare excellence for all Americans. #SupportEMS #NotJustaRide #AlwaysOpen pic.twitter.com/qHO3REmlEk

— AmericanAmbulanceAsc (@amerambassoc) January 13, 2022

Jan 5 | EMS360: Fatigue Risk Management in EMS Webtool Demo

Written by AAA Staff on January 3, 2022. Posted in Employee Wellness, Operations.

EMS360: Fatigue Risk Management in EMS Webtool Demo

Written by AAA Staff on December 21, 2021. Posted in Employee Wellness, Operations.

NHTSA Publishes New National EMS Education Standards

Written by AAA Staff on November 22, 2021. Posted in Regulatory.

Revised Standards outline minimum competencies for entry-level EMS clinicians to perform their roles

After a community-wide, collaborative effort, the newly updated National EMS Education Standards are now available. The Standards outline the critical topics to be covered in the initial education of EMS clinicians, based on the latest version of the National EMS Scope of Practice Model as well as recent research and best practices. The document defines the competencies, clinical behaviors, and judgments required of EMS personnel to perform their roles. They provide a high-level outline of those topics, and do not replace the need to develop a curriculum, nor are they intended to limit EMS educational programs from going beyond the Standards to meet student or community needs.

Read the New Standards (PDF)

The National EMS Education Standards were first published in 2009, and this marks the first major revision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s EMS for Children Program funded the effort through a process led by the National Association of EMS Educators.

“EMS clinicians are the most critical resource in our nation’s EMS systems, and education is the foundation upon which those clinicians are created,” said Dr. Jon Krohmer, director of the NHTSA Office of EMS. “These newly released National EMS Education Standards, created by the EMS community, will help educators and education content providers continue to create competent, compassionate clinicians dedicated to providing people-centered, evidence-based care to their communities.”

Visit EMS.gov to learn more about the revised 2021 National EMS Education Standards, download the Standards themselves, and find frequently asked questions about the project.

NHTSA Office of EMS Annual Update

Written by AAA Staff on November 12, 2021. Posted in Regulatory.

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

EMS.gov | NEMSAC Members Appointed

Written by AAA Staff on October 6, 2021. Posted in Regulatory.

From EMS.gov on October 6

National EMS Advisory Council Members Appointed

Diverse group of representatives will make recommendations to help strengthen the nation’s EMS systems

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg recently appointed 15 new members and 10 returning members to serve on the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC). The members of the council will provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the Department of Transportation and to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS. Find a list of NEMSAC members and their bios on the NEMSAC page on EMS.gov.

Meet the New NEMSAC

NEMSAC meets several times a year to discuss issues facing the EMS community and the council’s recommendations. The next meeting will take place Wednesday, Nov. 3, and Thursday, Nov. 4, from 1-5 p.m. ET on both days. The meeting will be virtual, and a livestream will be available for viewing. Sign up to receive the latest updates from the Office of EMS, including information about how to register to watch the NEMSAC meeting or make a public comment.

Established in 2007, NEMSAC consists of 25 members of the EMS community who represent different aspects of the industry to advise NHTSA on EMS issues. Members are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation for two-year terms and each may serve up to two terms.

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Tag: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Input Requested: EMS Education Agenda 2050

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Take Part in Crash Responder Safety Week, November 13–17, 2023

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Updated Ground Ambulance Crash Safety Materials Available

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

Contact Us

NHTSA’s Office of EMS Contributes to New Study Analyzing Suicide Among EMS and 911

Contact Us

Interested in Applying for NEMSAC?

Private and Fire-based EMS: Join the National EMS Advisory Council

Contact Us

Provide Input: Draft NEMSAC Letters Regarding DOT Efforts in Post-Crash Care

Working Together: How 988, Crisis Response, and EMS Can Improve Community Care

Panelists Include:

About EMS Focus

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

Contact Us

Please see the following statement from NHTSA announcing their newly named 911 Program Coordinator

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

Fatigue Risk Management in EMS: Project Summary and Webtool Demo

Fatigue Risk Management in EMS: Project Summary and Webtool Demo

National EMS Advisory Council Members Appointed

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