EMSResponder.com Interview: NHTSA Office of EMS
The mention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) typically conjures up thoughts of projects like seatbelt safety, speed limits, and road construction. For the past 40 years, they've also had a strong involvement in EMS.
As EMS-related issues continued to grow more complex, Congress realized that NHTSA's involvement also was changing and needed to be recognized. That's why they transitioned the EMS "division" to the EMS "office" earlier this year.
While the name has changed and the Office of EMS handles now numerous projects and studies, their primary mission to reduce deaths and disability remains intact, said Drew Dawson, director.
Dawson, formerly the state EMS director of Montana, has been with the NHTSA for three years and transitioned from leading the EMS division to the EMS office.
"We work closely with all our partners. We are not in competition with them," Dawson said. "Our most important job is coordinating with other agencies."
Every project -- whether it's enhancing the 9-1-1 centers nationwide, gathering data to help EMS crews face new challenges or working on ways to bolster education and training -- carry a basic, simple thread: improving patient care.
Dawson said the success of his office depends on involvement from providers on the street, the ones who really know what's going on in the EMS world. "They provide the reality check," he said.
He encourages providers to participate in the EMS Workforce Project and to log onto the blog at www.emsworkforce.com.
NHTSA has contracted this three-phase project to the University of California, San Francisco's Center for the Health Professions, to compile a report on the various issues that state and local agencies face as the number of EMS calls continue to increase. "We know there's a slew of information out there, and we need to hear from the people out there running calls," said Gam Wijetunge, coordinator of the project.
The document will be used to help the nation ensure there's a strong, well-trained EMS force available to respond to any type of emergency at any time, he said, adding that the office also is keeping track of health and safety issues.
The topics may change on the blog as the research is garnered, so Wijetunge encourages people to keep an eye on it.
Other projects that Dawson sees as important to the future of first responders include the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS), the Enhanced 9-1-1 Act and the National EMS Information System, all of which his office is spear-heading. They are also working on a guide to interhospital transfers, scope of practice for providers and other initiatives.
The National EMS Scope of Practice Model that has been discussed, criticized and modified over the past few years is due out soon. Dawson said there have been significant changes since the first draft was released. However, he knows it isn't sitting well with everyone.
"We know everyone is not happy with it. But, in general, the majority are OK..."
The document sets out the skills and knowledge required for the various levels of EMS certification. And, it doesn't require states to comply overnight. "It's a model to provide guidance."
Dawson said his office is committed to enhancing every facet of EMS. "We want to make sure we have the best trained forces out there on the street."
