EMS agencies and personnel – Private and public EMS agencies and emergency response personnel providing all levels of care. EMS advisory committees or boards – Local and state agencies responsible for the overall planning and coordination of EMS (e.g., State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee [SDMAC]). EMS policy and regulatory agencies – Agencies that create, direct, and enforce the financial, regulatory, and licensing policies for EMS and certify or license EMS personnel and ambulances. Policy and regulatory agencies will vary by state, but may include state EMS authorities, governor's councils, and other committees. Professional organizations and associations – Local, state and national organizations and associations representing EMS agencies and personnel. Purpose This document provides communities with a framework for responding to medical surge by employing the previously identified four strategies for expanding EMS system capacity during an emergency. The aims to guide communities in building the foundation EMS Framework necessary to implement these strategies during an emergency, as well as how to train, educate, and communicate with EMS personnel, patients, and the media about the strategies. The configuration of EMS systems varies considerably nationwide by community size, demographics, geography, and legal authority. (4, 7) Communities also vary in their level of medical surge planning and the involvement of EMS in this planning. This document contains guidance from EMS and public health SMEs and aims to facilitate community collaboration with local and state EMS agencies—ideally through healthcare coalitions—to develop medical surge plans. The EMS Framework does not provide standard protocols or guidelines intended for adoption by all EMS agencies. Format With the exception of Chapter Two – Setting the Stage: A Foundation for Expanding EMS System Capacity, the chapters in this document are organized in a standard format. Chapter Two describes the groundwork needed to initiate planning for expanding EMS system capacity during medical surge. A key takeaway is the recommendation for establishing or enhancing healthcare coalitions to include EMS. Chapter Two also discusses hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) and needs assessment, triggers, reimbursement mechanisms, performance management, education and training, and stakeholder communication.
EMS agencies and personnel – Private and public EMS agencies and emergency response personnel providing all levels of care. EMS advisory committees or boards – Local and state agencies responsible for the overall planning and coordination of EMS (e.g., State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee [SDMAC]). EMS policy and regulatory agencies – Agencies that create, direct, and enforce the financial, regulatory, and licensing policies for EMS and certify or license EMS personnel and ambulances. Policy and regulatory agencies will vary by state, but may include state EMS authorities, governor's councils, and other committees. Professional organizations and associations – Local, state and national organizations and associations representing EMS agencies and personnel. Purpose This document provides communities with a framework for responding to medical surge by employing the previously identified four strategies for expanding EMS system capacity during an emergency. The EMS Framework aims to guide communities in building the foundation necessary to implement these strategies during an emergency, as well as how to train, educate, and communicate with EMS personnel, patients, and the media about the strategies. The configuration of EMS systems varies considerably nationwide by community size, demographics, geography, and legal authority. (4, 7) Communities also vary in their level of medical surge planning and the involvement of EMS in this planning. This document contains guidance from EMS and public health SMEs and aims to facilitate community collaboration with local and state EMS agencies—ideally through healthcare coalitions—to develop medical surge plans. The EMS Framework does not provide standard protocols or guidelines intended for adoption by all EMS agencies. Format With the exception of Chapter Two – Setting the Stage: A Foundation for Expanding EMS System Capacity, the chapters in this document are organized in a standard format. Chapter Two describes the groundwork needed to initiate planning for expanding EMS system capacity during medical surge. A key takeaway is the recommendation for establishing or enhancing healthcare coalitions to include EMS. Chapter Two also discusses hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) and needs assessment, triggers, reimbursement mechanisms, performance management, education and training, and stakeholder communication.
ExpandingEMSSystem.docx