| *TRAFFIC TECH* |
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|                | Technology Transfer SeriesNumber 100, July 1995 |

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## EMERGENCY   MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT  1995 UPDATE OF THE STATEWIDE EMS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM THROUGH 1994

The   National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed the Technical   Assessment Team (TAT) program for states to measure the effectiveness of their   existing and proposed emergency medical services (EMS) programs. Effective EMS   systems ensure that highway crash victims receive prompt medical care by trained   professionals, and are safely and rapidly transported to the most appropriate   treatment facility. The TAT team, comprised of 5 to 6 individuals who have broad   experience in EMS system development, evaluates the state EMS system using ten   standard components. They prepare a written report that includes specific recommendations   for improving the EMS program.

 

EMS     SYSTEM COMPONENTS

>  1.      Regulation     and Policy 2.      Resource     Management 3.          Human Resources and Training 4.      Transportation 5.      Facilities 6.      Communication 7.      Public     Information and Education 8.      Medical     Direction 9.      Trauma     Systems
10.    Evaluation

 

Between February 1988,     and July 1993, 35 states had participated in the technical assessment process.     By August 1994, this number increased to 40 states, 2 territories, and the     Indian Health Service. NHTSA reported last year on an evaluation of the     TAT program, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the assessment program     and noting accomplishments of individual states as a result of the assessment.     NHTSA also identified areas for improvement within its own programs so that     it can be more responsive to state needs. A new report summarizing and updating     this evaluation with 1994 information is available.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS     FOLLOWING EMS TECHNICAL ASSESSMENTS

-  Comprehensive       EMS legislation enacted in       11 states; trauma systems legislation developed in 11 states. 
-  Uniform       inspection and licensure for all EMS transport vehicles in 11 states. 
-  Consistent       medical direction supported in       10 states. 
-  Statewide       EMS plans developed in 9 states and EMS Advisory Councils established in       9 states. 
-  EMS       dispatcher training developed in 9       states. 
-  A       stable source of funding for EMS was       established in 5 states. 
-  State       EMS medical directors appointed in       5 states and an EMS medical advisory group established in 5 more. 
-  Communication       resource assessment conducted in 6 states and a statewide EMS communication       plan developed in 6       more. 
-  A       statewide EMS data collection system initiated in 5 states. 
-  A       formal quality assurance program for EMS training programs established in       4 states. 
-  An       EMS newsletter developed in 6 states. 
-  A       statewide plan for public relations and education developed in 4 states. 

 

This   report summarizes information gathered during the statewide assessments, and   documents the impact of the TAT program on the states' ability to improve EMS   systems. At the time of the assessments, the teams found that fundamental problems   existed in all components of statewide EMS systems. Most importantly, 63 percent   of the states had not passed   legislation that provided central authority for establishing and managing the   entire EMS system. Over 60 percent did not have adequate funding or personnel   to carry out all of their required duties. In addition, none of the states had   pre-established standards by which to evaluate the EMS system and the vast majority   of states (90 percent) did not collect enough data to measure the quality of   service or patient care.  

The state EMS directors have used   the assessments to make impressive EMS system improvements. They identified   the EMS system components that should receive primary attention, and educated   legislators and the public about what the EMS system needs to operate properly.   These states have been pleased with the practical benefits of the assessment   process and NHTSA expects that most of the states who have not yet completed   an assessment will eventually request one.

The report also indicates the   importance of NHTSA's current EMS activities, including the development of model   EMS data collection systems, expansion of public information and education programs,   and improved EMS communication systems. NHTSA's future projects will be aimed   at specific problems cited in this report - primarily guidelines for EMS system   evaluation and development of related EMS system outcome measures. The report   will be useful to State EMS directors and others interested in EMS improvements. 

For more information about the   program or to obtain a copy of *EMS System   Development: Results of the Statewide EMS Assessment Program (1995 Update)*,   contact: Emergency Medical Services Division, NHTSA, NTS-42, 400 Seventh Street,   S.W., Washington, DC 20590, (202)   366-5440 or send a fax to (202) 366-7721. 

 

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 U.S. Department   of TransportationNational   HighwayTraffic   SafetyAdministration400 Seventh Street, S.W. NTS-33Washington, DC 20590

Traffic   Tech is a publication to disseminate information   about traffic safety programs, including   evaluations, innovative programs, and   new publications. Feel free to copy it as you wish.

If you would like to receive a   copy contact: 

Linda Cosgrove, Ph.D., Editor,     Evaluation Staff Traffic   Safety Programs(202) 366-2759