Stories

The Power of Data EMS professionals are always trying to improve the level of care provided to patients. One key factor to enhancing EMS operations and clinical skills is collecting and using data. Data is a powerful tool, it’s critical to identifying best practices and also to communicating with others about the resources needed to

EMS has its roots in the Department of Transportation (DOT) when Congress enacted the Highway Safety Act of 1966. Through its Office of EMS (OEMS), the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reduces death and disability by providing leadership and coordination to the EMS community in assessing, planning, developing, and promoting comprehensive, evidence-based emergency

How has the EMS Scope of Practice changed since the first EMS Week was celebrated 50 years ago? Let’s take a look at the past, present and future.National EMS Scope of Practice Model First developed in 2007, the National EMS Scope of Practice Model defined the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve competence for each

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of EMS Week with the theme, “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future,” it seems a fitting time to take a glimpse into the future of EMS. Although the future is always uncertain, a specific vision for the nation’s EMS systems was laid out in 2019, the result of a

The STOP THE BLEED® Project’s sole purpose is to engage the public to learn about the STOP THE BLEED® campaign, one of the largest and fastest growing public health initiatives in the United States.   The campaign is also spreading around the world with activity in over 140 countries.The campaign is aimed at directly saving

 “And that’s when I realized I’m kind of made for tough situations,” said Paramedic/Firefighter Meryah Wilson when speaking of a life-changing moment.The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is celebrating EMS Week by honoring the members of the EMS community for their unwavering commitment to others in a time of need. We are grateful to

by Bruce Evans, Fire Chief Upper Pine River Fire Protection District and President of the National Association of EMTsBeing in emergency medical services is rewarding. You get a chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Occasionally, you’re lucky enough to save people.But there are also a lot of emotions involved when you’re in an

Excerpted from EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity by Donnie Woodyard, Jr. Since its inception in 1974, EMS Week has stood as an annual tribute to the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of Emergency Medical Services professionals. Celebrated during the third week of May, this week underlines the pivotal role these professionals

Movies depicting EMS typically show EMTs and paramedics rushing to the scene of emergencies, sirens blaring.  Bryony Gilbey, a former producer for ABC News and 60 Minutes, took a different approach. Her new documentary, “Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis,” explores how a critical workforce shortage and inadequate funding threatens the existence of EMS, particularly in

Excerpted from EMS in the United States: Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity by Donnie Woodyard, Jr. Those who have been involved in EMS for a long time often refer to themselves (and are often referred to by others) as “EMS dinosaurs.” Though EMS dinosaur status does not have a precise unit of measurement, as someone who

Each year, National EMS Week recognizes and thanks EMS clinicians for their life-saving work on the frontlines of our healthcare system.Special theme days of EMS Week help to structure the week’s activities. Wednesday is set aside for EMS for Children, or “EMSC” Day. EMSC Day is an annual opportunity to thank EMS clinicians for their

May 2024 will represent the 50th anniversary of EMS Week. As we approach this year’s EMS Week, we examine the importance of reflecting on our profession. How can we continue to honor the profession, take care of our clinicians and educate the public on the valuable role of EMS? Here, we explore the challenges facing our