Progress on National EMS Projects Continues

A number of projects are in the works in NHTSA’s Office of EMS covering myriad issues.

“These have great ramifications for the nation’s EMS,” says NHTSA's EMS Director Drew Dawson.

One is the Strategy for a National EMS Culture of Safety, a draft of which was released recently for public comment. After safety was identified by the National EMS Advisory Council as a priority, NHTSA ran with the idea and provided funding for the project, which is being compiled under the auspices of ACEP.

“I’m impressed by the level of people we have on the council and the monumental work they are doing. They are tackling issues important to the nation as a whole,” says Dawson.

The advisory council was established in 2007 to advise NHTSA on EMS issues. Members include consumers, as well as stakeholders from across the country.

In addition to meetings of the full council, various committees are chatting and working on projects throughout the year. “These people are just incredibly active. They are really committed,” says Dawson.

Meanwhile, FICEMS members continue to study various issues, and make recommendations to enhance the delivery of EMS.

Following an investigation of a fatal bus crash in rural Utah in 2008, the NTSB requested FICEMS “Evaluate the system of emergency care response to large-scale transportation related rural accidents and, once that evaluation is completed, develop guidelines for emergency medical services response and provide those guidelines to the States.” FICEMS committee members have been working on that project and just recently submitted its recommendations to NTSB. Dawson says it is just one example of the work underway on the federal level.

NHTSA also continues to work with NIOSH and other agencies to improve safety for providers and the public in the patient compartment of ambulances. When the four-year project is completed, safety standards will be made based on research garnered. 

Dawson said data provided by emergency departments regarding EMS provider injuries is being examined for the study.

Another project gathering momentum is NEMSIS.

“Right now, there are 35 states entering data into the system,” explains Susan McHenry, an official in the EMS office of NHTSA.

Transmitting the patient’s complaints, treatment and vitals electronically is important because it then becomes part of their hospital record.

Also, local and state officials will have access to the database housed at NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis. McHenry says this will enable them to get a snapshot of needs. 

The two doled high praise to members of various councils and others who are dedicating their time and talent for the betterment of EMS. “It’s just exciting to see the energy out there,” says McHenry.

Susan Nicol is a staff writer for EMS World.