It Takes a Village

     When the National Association of State EMS Directors (NASEMSD) was established in 1980, it was intended as a forum for state EMS directors to share ideas, examine common problems and interact with colleagues across the nation to find solutions to the many complexities surrounding state and territorial EMS program administration. It was quickly recognized in Washington, DC, as a national voice for EMS on a range of policy-related issues. Throughout the 1990s, several National EMS "Agenda for the Future" documents emerged with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and NASEMSD became the focal point for assisting states to implement the goals of the agendas. The vision proposed by the agendas begins with the recognition that EMS has come a long way in the past 30 years and that it is functioning well at present, but like other EMS organizations, NASEMSD realized the future creates new opportunity. In 2006, the state directors recognized the wealth of knowledge and expertise that exists within the ranks of state EMS offices, and a new membership model was adopted at the 2006 annual meeting. NASEMSD became the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) and four new NASEMSO councils were born, which focused on issues relating to data, medical direction, training and trauma. Recently, NASEMSO added a fifth council, EMS for Children. All five councils serve a unique role in dealing with the day-to-day functions and activities that challenge a statewide agency. The following provides an overview of NASEMSO's activities through its councils.

• The National Council of State EMS Data Managers formulates recommendations on policies and positions specific to EMS data systems. It provides a forum for communication, interaction and networking between peers, other national organizations and federal agencies with similar missions. This forum allows for sharing of best practices, developing and encouraging mentoring programs, the joint resolution of obstacles and challenges, and nationwide promotion of evidence-based decision-making. This group is critical to the proper functioning of the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS); EMS data collection within the states would be nonexistent without them. Many individuals outside this group feel that collection, analysis and reporting of data will be the foundation for EMS policy-making in the future. Data will provide the basis for EMS research—determining what clinical interventions work and what don't, highlighting efficiencies and revealing problem areas within the system that can be improved.
• The vision of the National Council of State EMS Medical Directors is to be the national leader in developing, maintaining and providing quality medical oversight and sound clinical practice of EMS care and reduction of preventable death and disabilities due to sudden illness or injury through integrated EMS and trauma systems. More than half the states have a state EMS medical director providing medical leadership to clinical and administrative policies and procedures. These physicians are frequently recognized by state statute; many maintain an active clinical practice, and most serve as medical directors on a local or regional level in addition to their state duties.
• The National Council of State EMS Training Coordinators existed as a stand-alone organization prior to becoming part of NASEMSO. The council works in collaboration with state EMS directors and medical directors and provides a range of administrative services within the state EMS offices. Most participants are directly involved in licensure and/or credentialing of EMS practitioners, many are involved in state accreditation or recognition of EMS training institutes and programs, and some are responsible for complaint investigation and discipline. This group works closely with other state EMS officials and other national organizations to help implement the EMS Education Agenda.
• The National Council of State Trauma Managers formulates recommendations on policies and positions specific to EMS trauma systems. Its mission is to promote the advancement of statewide trauma systems through development of state trauma system leadership and infrastructure. Working closely with several national associations and NASEMSO's federal partners, the council provides a networking opportunity for statewide trauma managers and coordinators.
• The newest of NASEMSO's councils is organized to support state EMSC programs. EMSC grant funds have improved the availability of child-appropriate equipment in ambulances, supported hundreds of programs to prevent injuries, and provided thousands of hours of training to EMTs and paramedics. Previously, state EMSC coordinators convened at the federally sponsored annual grantee meeting, and coordination among the individual states was challenging at best. The inaugural meeting of the EMSC Council will be held June 24, 2008, during NASEMSO's mid-year meeting, and the hope is that the council will provide a year-round opportunity for these dedicated state-based public servants to collaborate on improving EMS care for children.

     NASEMSO's annual meeting will be held in Tacoma (WA) September 21–25, 2008. State EMS officials will convene, as well as federal and other EMS policy-makers, and there will be an exhibit area showcasing new products and resources. For more information, visit www.nasemso.org, or e-mail info@nasemso.org.