New Emergency Medical Services website a key resource for keeping our roadways safe

When an accident occurs on one of our nation’s transportation systems, every second counts. So with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program DOT is working to provide the best possible outcome for accident victims and the medical professionals who care for them on the scene.

Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was first created more than 40 years ago, the EMS program has played a key role in roadway safety.

"We know that our coordinated system of emergency medical services is reducing the tragic toll from traffic crashes on America's roadways," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "NHTSA is more committed than ever to ensuring our EMS systems are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century."

As part of that commitment, NHTSA maintains EMS.gov, an online portal for EMS professionals across the country. And last Friday, to mark National Emergency Medical Services Week, NHTSA unveiled a significantly redesigned site. The new site makes it easier for the EMS community to access the latest professional news, training content, events, projects, and other essential safety information.

EMS.gov is a terrific resource for EMS professionals. And because the website helps America's first responders stay current on the latest approaches to care and safety, its benefits extend to all of us who might one day need that care.

National Emergency Medical Services Week offers a great opportunity to express our appreciation and respect for the EMS community. But these dedicated men and women stand by 52 weeks a year, ready at a moment's notice to revive us and tend our wounds, and often putting their own lives at risk to help us survive injuries. They provide professional care with skill and compassion, no matter what week the calendar displays.

Our longstanding EMS program has focused on reducing death and disability by providing national leadership and coordination in assessing, planning, developing and promoting comprehensive, evidence-based, emergency medical services and 9-1-1 systems.

NHTSA's Office of EMS also houses the National 911 Program, maintains a national 9-1-1 resource center, and manages a 9-1-1 grant program.  Its www.911.gov website provides “one-stop shopping” for 911 related activities. And through the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS), NHTSA works closely with federal partner agencies and a wide range of national, state, and local experts to ensure that our EMS system is always improving.

The EMS community is essential to the safety of the traveling public. We are proud to help support their work.