Welcome to the latest issue of EMS on the Hill, a newsletter representing the work of a broad group of EMS organizations dedicated to achieving positive change and recognition for emergency medical services at the state and federal levels. In July 2007, this group of organizations met to review the recommendations of the 2006 IOM Crossroads report and develop priorities and action items to help make these recommendations reality. This newsletter will provide updates on those action items, plus discuss other critical industry issues.

NEMSAC TURNS FOCUS TO EMS ISSUES

At first meeting, new national advisory body finds a lot to look at

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The newly created National EMS Advisory Council hit the ground running at its inaugural meeting in April.

The expert panel, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, will advise NHTSA's Office of EMS. During a brain¬storming session to get things started, the group came up with a number of topics that need to be addressed.

"We've developed a comprehensive list of issues and considerations faced by EMS throughout the country," says Idaho EMS chief Dia Gainor, the council's chair.

Some of these issues include recruitment and retention of EMS personnel, quality assur¬ance, preparedness for multi¬casualty events, wait times at hospitals and the need for more federal grant money.

After the entire board has a chance to review the items, they will be prioritized. After that, committees will be established to address specific issues and develop action plans.

Drew Dawson, NHTSA's EMS director, told the group that the concept for a volunteer advisory panel had been "on and off the burner for a number of years." He said they have the ability to direct the future of EMS, and that he's looking forward to their input. But, he also cautioned, the wheels of government often turn slowly.

Dawson said he was impressed by the backgrounds of the council members, referring to them as some of the "who's who" in EMS. The panel is expected to make recommendations to Dawson's office on EMS stan¬dards, guidelines, bench¬marks and data collection. They also will offer advice on conducting a needs assess¬ment to improve prehospital care.

"We have a multidisciplined group that is willing to tackle the challenge," Gainor says. "We are fortunate to be able to draw on this expertise."

Gainor says she heard a common theme emerge after listening to the members introduce themselves: