EMS Leaders to Organize Caucus

While language in the Homeland Security appropriations bill now awaiting President Bush's signature specifically addresses making EMS an equal partner, there's no celebration in the works.

National EMS officials say there's still too much work to do, and unifying the industry tops their agenda.

In order to further this goal, EMS leaders from various organizations met at EMS Expo in Las Vegas last week to discuss the need for an EMS caucus similar to those of fire and law enforcement.

"We need to show strength in numbers," said Nathan Williams, president of Advocates for EMS. "We need to educate legislators about what we do and our need for funding."

In the Homeland Security appropriations bill, a House and Senate committee recently reached a compromise on the need for grant funding for EMS, need to include EMS in state and local planning, and need for a nationwide EMS needs assessment.

"The conferees remain concerned with the lack of first responder grant funding being provided to the EMS community and direct G and T to require in its grant guidance that state and local governments include EMS representatives in planning committees as an equal partner and to facilitate a nationwide EMS needs assessment," the bill says. "In addition, no later than January 23, 2007, the Department shall report to the Committees on Appropriations, the House Committee on Homeland Security, and the Senate Committee on homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, on the use of Homeland Security Grant Program funds and Firefighter Assistance Grant funds for EMS."

However, EMS leaders say they won't sit idly by and wait for a needs study. It's essential they tell their own stories, and how they impact their communities.

A similar needs assessment requested by Congress last year was never done.

Leaders, including those from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), will be contacting new members of Congress next year in an effort to establish an EMS Caucus similar to one that addresses major issues for the nation's fire service. Officials discussed surrounding the capitol with ambulances to bring their issues to the forefront, just as the fire service did several years ago.

However, EMS officials realize they must be unified and have their priorities set before they undertake the endeavor.

Collecting data is essential, and will strengthen the message EMS is trying to convey, said Gregg Lord, an NAEMT official. "Without data we're running around blind... It's hard for people to argue with numbers."

Lisa Meyer, of Cornerstone Government Affairs, said EMS officials must push recruitment and educate as many people as possible before they start knocking on legislators' doors. EMS has been short-changed in many areas, and the stakeholders need to make sure that message is clear.

Just how much money will be allocated to programs such as EMS for Children remains uncertain. But, Meyer promised to keep abreast of the appropriations.

Other organizations involved in the effort include the National Association of EMS Educators.

Lord said as the group moves forward to organize an EMS caucus, "We must work diligently, and be carefully focused as we develop our message so it doesn't get mired in the medical care debacle."