Advancing the EMS profession

EMS Safety Resources

Below are resources to raise awareness of the various types of safety issues EMS practitioners face and to help EMS practitioners protect themselves and their patients.



CategoryTitleDescription
Injury PreventionStudy focused on preventing EMS workplace violencePreventing EMS workplace violence: A mixed-methods analysis of insights from assaulted medics
Infection PreventionSurvey to explore the depth of US EMS practitioners’ highly infectious disease training and education.American Journal of Infection Control: Determining training and education needs pertaining to highly infectious disease preparedness and response: A gap analysis survey of US emergency medical services practitioners.
Injury PreventionEMS Providers: How To Stay Safe On The JobThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of EMS released a new resource to help EMS providers prevent injuries at work.
Injury PreventionFatigue in EMS Risk Management GuidelinesNASEMSO News release from January 11, 2018 regarding fatigue in EMS.
Injury PreventionFentanyl Safety GuidelinesNational Safety Council fentanyl safety recommendations for first responders.
Injury PreventionGuide for Developing an EMS Agency Safety ProgramA roadmap for EMS agencies to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace safety program, customizable to their agency type, size and needs.
Violence PreventionMitigation of Occupational Violence to Firefighters and EMS Responders June 2017Report by FEMA/US Fire Administration
Injury PreventionFact SheetEMS Workers: How Employers Can Prevent Injuries and Exposures
Ambulance SafetyImproving EMS Worker Safety Through Ambulance Design and TestingThis 7-part video series, jointly funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, covers new crash test methods to improve worker and patient safety in an ambulance patient compartment.
Ambulance SafetyLights and Siren Use by Emergency Medical Services: Above All Do No HarmThis principle of medical care helps to guide medical decisions by reminding healthcare providers that while attempting to provide treatments to improve a patient’s outcome, there are risks that can cause harm.
Ambulance SafetyAnthropometric Database for the EMTs in the United StatesResults of a nationwide survey conducted by NIOSH between December 2013 and May 2015.
Patient SafetyNAEMT "Patient Safety in EMS" White PaperIdentifies Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) as key to advancing a just culture for EMS
Ambulance SafetyNFPA 1917 standardThe Standard presents general requirements for ambulance design and performance, along with standalone chapters for ambulance components, including chassis, patient compartment, low voltage electrical systems and warning devices, and line voltage electrical systems.
Ambulance SafetyCAAS Ambulance StandardsGround vehicle standards for ambulances developed by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).
Violence PreventionResults of Study on EMS ViolenceStudy by Drexel University on impact of violence on EMTs and paramedics
Injury PreventionEMS Cross-ChecksSuggested checklists for improved safety
Violence PreventionWhen Patients Become AttackersNAEMT News feature on EMS violence.
Ambulance SafetyA Research Study of Ambulance Operations and Best Practice Considerations for Emergency Medical Services PersonnelThis study addresses operational procedures and practices while operating an ambulance.
Ambulance SafetyAmbulance Patient Compartment Human Factors Design Guidebook This Ambulance Patient Compartment Human Factors Design Guidebook (the Guidebook) has been developed as a best practices guide to help augment that safer work and patient care environment.
Ambulance SafetyAEV briefing on current status of ambulance standards projects NASEMSO summary of the current status of all three ambulance design standards
Patient SafetyEMS Patient and Practitioner Safety Bill of RightsTo ensure EMS care is safe for patients and practitioners.
Patient SafetyPatient Safety Awareness Week ToolkitWe hope you find the materials and tips helpful for promoting Patient Safety Awareness Week at your organization.
Ambulance SafetyAmbulance Safety Efforts Gaining GroundA look at the how the industry is planning to make ambulances safer for EMS providers and their patients.
Injury PreventionExploring implicit preventive strategies in prehospital emergency workersPreventive strategies should be integrated into specialised training programs for prehospital medical emergency professionals.
Injury PreventionDoxycycline Information Sheet for Health Care ProfessionalsFirst Responder Voluntary Option to Purchase Anthrax Post-exposure Prophylaxis Antibiotics
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