Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component of our nation's emergency and trauma care system, providing response and medical transport to millions of sick and injured Americans each year. At its best, EMS is a crucial link to survival in the chain of care, but within the last several years, complex problems facing the emergency care system have emerged. Press
coverage has highlighted instances of slow EMS response times, ambulance diversions, trauma center closures, and ground and air medical crashes. This heightened public awareness of problems that have been building
over time has underscored the need for a review of the U.S. emergency care system. Emergency Medical Services provides the first comprehensive study on this topic. This new book examines the operational structure of EMS by presenting an in-depth analysis of the current organization, delivery, and financing of these types of services and systems. By addressing its strengths, limitations, and future challenges this book draws upon a range of concerns:

• The evolving role of EMS as an integral component of the overall health care system.



• EMS system planning, preparedness, and coordination at the federal, state, and local levels.



• EMS funding and infrastructure investments.



• EMS workforce trends and professional education.



• EMS research priorities and funding.



Emergency Medical Services is one of three books in the Future of Emergency
Care series. This book will be of particular interest to emergency care providers, professional organizations, and policy makers looking to address the deficiencies in emergency care systems.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 History and Current State of EMS
3 Building a 21st-Century Emergency and Trauma Care System
4 Supporting a High-Quality EMS Workforce
5 Advancing System Infrastructure
6 Preparing for Disasters
7 Optimizing Prehospital Care Through Research
Appendix A Committee and Subcommittee Membership
Appendix B Biographical Information for Main Committee and Prehospital Emergency Medical Services Subcommittee
Appendix C List of Presentations to the Committee
Appendix D List of Commissioned Papers
Appendix E Recommendations and Responsible Entities from the Future of Emergency Care Series
Index