CLINTON, Miss. — A collaborative of EMS organizations has developed new national guidelines to help departments and agencies enhance response planning and staffing strategies. Titled “Rethinking Emergency Medical Services: Applying Evidence and Data to Redesign Response Models for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”, the guidance is designed to create a more effective and sustainable approach to emergency response.
The recommendations are based on patient outcome data from peer-reviewed studies analyzing the impact of response times and EMS staffing levels. By incorporating this research, the guidelines offer evidence-based strategies to improve patient care while optimizing resources, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians stated.
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The initiative was led by Matt Zavadsky, EMS/mobile healthcare consultant for PWW Advisory Group and a member of the NAEMT Economics Committee. Zavadsky played a key role in spearheading the project, which aims to support EMS agencies in adapting to evolving demands and challenges in emergency healthcare.
The project involved the collaboration of the following associations:
- The Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration
- The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
- The International Association of Fire Chiefs
- The International Association of Fire Fighters
- The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- The National Association of EMS Physicians
- The National Association of State EMS Officials
- The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
“The representatives from the organizations participating in this white paper demonstrated exceptional expertise and true collaborative spirit on a crucial guidance document for EMS and community leaders,” Zavadsky said. “The document cites 31 evidence-based, peer-reviewed research articles, along with recent Joint Position Statements on Reducing Lights & Siren Vehicle Operations on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Responses and EMS Performance Metrics – Beyond Response Times. Such incredible collaboration on these three major industry initiatives is unprecedented.”
The white paper recognizes that the current EMS model prioritizes short response times and ALS staffing. It goes on to note that recent evidence-based research indicates that response times have minimal impact on patient outcomes in most cases, with only 6.9% of EMS patients requiring potentially life-saving interventions.
The ongoing staffing crisis underscores the need for a more sustainable, data-driven approach to system design. Adapting response strategies based on clinical and operational evidence can help address workforce shortages and financial challenges while maintaining essential services.
To navigate these issues, EMS system leaders should analyze key data, educate local stakeholders — including community leaders — on the realities of EMS response demands, and collaborate on informed decision-making. A proactive, evidence-based redesign is crucial to ensuring long-term resilience and efficiency in EMS operations.
