Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in America is locally controlled. Some communities deliver EMS publicly, through their local fire department, public health service or an independent third-service agency similar to a utility company. Others use the services of a private company or an ambulance transport department of a local hospital. Some communities offset the cost of EMS through public funds; other communities do not. EMS also may be provided in part or exclusively by volunteers. In addition, federal dollars may fund EMS agencies on military bases, Indian reservations and other places.
No single delivery model or organization has been proven universally more effective than any other in the delivery of emergency medical services. Therefore, NAEMT does not believe that one-type-fits-all is a wise approach to the delivery of emergency medical services because communities have differing needs, depending on geography, demographics, funding, potential hazards, infrastructure and other local factors.
NAEMT supports informed local decision-making to identify the best type of service delivery model for each community.
NAEMT encourages EMS agencies and their advocates to respect and embrace the diversity EMS systems in America and encourage local decision-makers to examine and weigh a variety of delivery options to ensure that they implement the EMS system that is best for their community.
Adopted May 2007