Are You an Advocate for EMS?

     I am pleased to announce that EMS Magazine has recently joined forces with Advocates for EMS (AEMS) to help raise federal-level awareness of critical EMS issues.

     Following the September 11 attacks, the country focused its attention on terrorism preparedness and first responders, who were frequently described as police, fire and "other." There was no single voice that represented the broad range of EMS components in Washington policy discussions. Recognizing this need, in January 2003 the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors combined forces to form Advocates for EMS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting, educating and increasing awareness among decision-makers in Washington about issues affecting EMS providers.

     Since its inception five years ago, AEMS has grown into a coalition working with 32 national and regional EMS-related organizations and corporate sponsors, and has established relationships with members of Congress and staff on Capitol Hill. In addition, AEMS has added the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the National Association of EMS Educators and two member-at-large seats to its Board of Directors.

     While great strides have been made in raising the awareness of EMS issues on Capitol Hill, such as funding for the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, a new Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services established in federal law, maintaining funding for programs that supply AEDs and other programs that support EMS planning, offices and equipment, and the establishment of an Emergency Medical Services Caucus on Capitol Hill, there is still a long way to go. Members of Congress and their staffs need to continue to hear from AEMS and its members on the impact that program funding, proposed legislation and regulations have on their ability to provide good patient care. To learn more about Advocates for EMS and how to become a member, visit www.advocatesforems.org.