Integrating EMS and Public Health
Emergency medical services has long been a cornerstone of emergency response, primarily focusing on rapid transportation and immediate medical care. Traditionally, EMS has operated under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) jurisdiction, reflecting its origins in emergency transportation. While this placement was logical during EMS's early days, it has inadvertently cemented a limited perception of EMS as primarily a transportation service that provides medical care.
This e-book argues for a significant transformation in the role of EMS within the healthcare system. By aligning EMS with public health under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we can unlock its full potential to contribute to a more comprehensive, resilient, and preventive healthcare system.
