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Tag: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

EMS.gov | New Resources Address Important EMS Issues

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Press.

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

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care, Webinars.

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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Washington, DC 20590
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Recent Announcements and New Resources on EMS.gov

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

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

NHTSA Request for Information: Emergency Medical Services Education Agenda 2050

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

From Regulations.Gov

NHTSA published a request for information on October 13, 2023, seeking comments from all sources (public, private, government, academic, professional, public interest groups, and other interested parties) on the planned re-envisioning of the 2000 EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach. Due to the limited comments received and some informal feedback indicating that the initial comment period was too short, NHTSA is announcing the reopening of the comment period for the RFI in order to solicit additional comments and request responses to specific questions provided in the document. The comment period for the RFI was originally scheduled to end on October 31, 2023. It will now be reopened and will end on March 31, 2024.

Dates

The comment period for the RFI published on October 13, 2023 at 88 FR 71081 is reopened and extended to March 31, 2024.

For Further Information Contact

Clary Mole, EMS Specialist, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation is available by phone at (202) 868–3275 or by email at Clary.Mole@dot.gov.

Addresses

Comments must be submitted by one of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

• Mail: Docket Management Facility, M–30, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Rm. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

• Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9322 before coming.

Regardless of how you submit your comments, you must include the docket number identified in the heading of this document.

Note that all comments received, including any personal information provided, will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov. Please see the “Privacy Act” heading below.

You may call the Docket Management Facility at (202) 366–9322. For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov or the street address listed above. We will continue to file relevant information in the docket as it becomes available. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9322 before coming. We will continue to file relevant information in the Docket as it becomes available.

Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to inform its decision-making process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 ( 65 FR 19477–78 ).

Supplementary Information

On October 13, 2023, NHTSA published a RFI to obtain public comments to inform EMS Education Agenda 2050, and request responses to specific questions provided in this document. For convenience purposes, NHTSA is republishing introductory information, background materials and questions from its RFI in this notice.

I. Introductory Information

In 2012, the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) convened a national roundtable meeting on EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach. In a 2014 report on these proceedings, NEMSAC advised that stakeholders at the State and local level had just begun to experience the full impact of the evolution toward a national integrated system of education for EMS personnel. While stakeholders were reticent to move forward with a new education agenda, they did provide feedback about themes that should be considered in the future publication. From the feedback collected at the meeting, NEMSAC developed recommendations to be used in the eventual re-envision of the agenda for EMS. These recommendations are summarized below:

  • Educational content should retain the flexibility accorded by the National EMS Education standards, but programs should use nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines to drive local curriculum development.
  • The National EMS Information System data, evidence-based research, and practice analyses should be sourced in developing evidence-based guidelines and curriculum.

• Mobile Integrated Healthcare has received considerable attention from the EMS Community. This and other alternative community-based healthcare delivery models (of the future) should evoke an expanded foundational knowledge and critical thinking capabilities that will poise future EMS practitioners to be able to evolve with the changing healthcare system or rapidly adjust to emerging healthcare crises.

  • EMS educators should begin a career in academia with expertise in adult learning, educational theory, curriculum development, and competency evaluation but also possess experiential knowledge in evidence-based care.

In the 10 years since NEMSAC’s roundtable meeting, the national EMS education system continued to evolve—especially during the COVID–19 pandemic. In late 2021, the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) began sponsoring listening sessions to inform a consensus-driven, national report entitled, FICEMS: EMS and 911 COVID–19 Response White Paper. This publication cited challenges and solutions collected during stakeholder listening sessions for the EMS education system. Among the challenges, EMS education stakeholders cited scarcity (in some cases deficits) in resources for education, rigidity of curriculum delivery modalities, the increased employer demands on students, and inconsistent or delayed responses to the needs of the national EMS education system as major contributors that led to the breakdown in the EMS workforce pipeline.

Prior to the COVID–19 pandemic, NHTSA published EMS Agenda 2050: A People-centered Vision for the Future of EMS (Agenda 2050). This collaborative project set a vision for a people-centered EMS systems that serves every individual in every community across the Nation. Later this year, NHTSA and its partners will begin a new project to develop EMS Education Agenda 2050. This project will not replace but build upon the achievements of the 2000 EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach to lead a national conversation around the future vision for EMS Education and EMS as a profession.

II. Background

NHTSA, in partnership with Health Resources and Services Administration, published EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach ( Education Agenda ) in 2000. This document was founded on the broad national EMS education system concepts introduced in the EMS Agenda for the Future (1996). The Education Agenda described a consensus vision of an EMS education system with a high degree of structure, coordination, and interdependence. It proposed a less prescriptive system that offered educators flexibility in creating a student-centered learning environment and a process for accommodating future advancements in technology and medicine. The proposed system maximized efficiency, consistency in instructional quality, and entry level graduate competency by prescribing a high degree of structure, coordination, and interdependence. To achieve this vision, the education system of the future centered on five integrated primary components:

  • National EMS Core Content
  • National EMS Scope of Practice Model
  • National EMS Education Standards
  • National EMS Education Program Accreditation
  • National EMS Certification

After the Education Agenda was published, stakeholders began implementing their respective integrated system components. Almost 25 years later, the national EMS education system has successfully evolved into one that exemplifies both consistency and flexibility. System interdependencies have helped to avoid duplication of effort in curriculum and education program development, evaluating the minimum competencies of graduates, certification and licensing processes, and facilitation of practitioner reciprocity.

In 2020, the EMS education system interdependencies modernized by the Education Agenda were tested. Challenges presented by the COVID–19 pandemic forced a variety of adaptations. Traditional education programs reported a lag in students’ capabilities of achieving the programmatic competencies requirements for graduation. The lag was attributed to a variety of causes including a focus on pandemic response activities over training and education, employer demands on working students, and the rigidity of in-person, classroom-based education delivery models. After the majority of programs adjusted to the challenges, lags in graduation were cured, and students achieved programmatic competencies at rates similar to those pre-pandemic. The response to the pandemic did not impact education programs only. The impact to EMS agency daily operations was felt as well. During the COVID pandemic, agencies experienced increases in EMS activation and response rates which created additional stressors for student EMS practitioners already working in a high stress job environment but also enrolled in an EMS education program. These stressors were a major contributor to a migration of practitioners away from the EMS workforce. Agencies and organizational stakeholders asserted that it could be education program graduation requirements causing breakdown in the workforce pipeline; however, there were no observed decreases in graduation or certification testing rates. These observations prompt two questions: If graduation and certification testing rates have remained unchanged, why have agencies reported recruitment and retention issues? If graduates are not entering the EMS workforce, where are they finding jobs?

With agencies experiencing increased demand and a deficiency in qualified EMS practitioners to respond to it, service delivery models had to evolve. To bridge the gap in community-based care resources, community paramedicine and mobile integrated healthcare (CP–MIH) service delivery models increased in prevalence, and improvised training programs were used to close new job-specific competency gaps among existing EMS practitioners and individuals in training. Other themes brought to the forefront during the pandemic include addressing healthcare disparities; the use of EMS data as a tool for surveillance and nationwide quality of care improvements; and a greater value to having an EMS workforce that is not only equitable, inclusive, and accessible, but as diverse as the community it serves. These themes, evolving service delivery models, and the subsequent evolution of competencies needed by practitioners suggest that it is time for NHTSA to gather our partners to begin a new conversation about the future of EMS Education and EMS as a profession in the United States.

III. Questions Regarding EMS Education Agenda 2050

Responses to the following questions are requested to help plan the revision of the Education Agenda. Please be as specific as possible and as appropriate please provide references.

1. What are the most critical issues facing EMS education system that should be addressed in the revision of the EMS Education Agenda ? Please provide specific examples.

2. What progress has been made in implementing the EMS Education Agenda since 2000?

3. How have you used EMS Education Agenda ? Please provide specific examples.

4. As an EMS Stakeholder, how might a revised EMS Education Agenda be most useful to you?

5. What significant changes have occurred in the EMS education system at the national, Federal, State, and local levels since 2000?

6. What significant changes will impact the EMS education system in the next 25 years?

7. How might the revised EMS Education Agenda contribute to enhanced EMS for children?

8. How might the revised EMS Education Agenda support and/or promote data-driven and evidence-based improvements in EMS education systems and EMS practitioner practice?

9. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda enhance collaboration among EMS systems, health care providers and facilities, public safety answering points, public health, public safety, emergency management, insurers, and others?

10. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda be used to promote community sustainability and resilience?

11. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda contribute to improved coordination for disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation?

12. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda enhance the exchange of evidence-based practices between national, Federal (and military), State, and local levels?

13. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda support the seamless and unimpeded transfer of military EMS personnel to roles as civilian EMS providers?

14. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda support interstate credentialing of EMS personnel?

15. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda support improved patient outcomes in rural and frontier communities?

16. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda lead to improved EMS systems in tribal communities?

17. How could the revised EMS Education Agenda promote a culture of safety among EMS personnel, agencies, and organizations?

18. Are there additional EMS attributes that should be included in the revised EMS Education Agenda ? If so, please provide an explanation for why these additional EMS attributes should be included.

19. Are there EMS attributes in the 2000 EMS Education Agenda that should be eliminated from the revised edition? If so, please provide an explanation for why these EMS attributes should be eliminated.

20. What are your suggestions for the process that should be used in revising the EMS Education Agenda ?

21. What specific agencies/organizations/entities are essential to involve, in a revision of the EMS Education Agenda ?

22. Do you have any additional comments regarding the revision of the EMS Education Agenda ?

(Authority: 23 U.S.C. 403(b)(1)(A)(iv); 49 CFR 1.95; 501.8)

Issued in Washington, DC.

Nanda Narayanan Srinivasan,
Associate Administrator, Research and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2023–25551 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P

EMS.gov | Input Requested: EMS Education Agenda 2050

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

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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Crash Responder Safety Week, November 13–17, 2023

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

EMS News

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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NHTSA | Updated Ground Ambulance Crash Safety Materials Available

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

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

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

 

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

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Employee Wellness.

EMS News

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

Written by AAA Staff on . 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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NEMSAC | Draft Letters Regarding DOT Efforts in Post-Crash Care

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

EMS News

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 . Posted in Regulatory.

EMS Focus
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.

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us

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 . Posted in Regulatory.

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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Contact Us

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 . 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.

EMS Week Thank You Video

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 . 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 . Posted in News, Press, Uncategorized.

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

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 Names New Office of EMS Director

Written by AAA Staff on . 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.

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