Abstract
Emergency medical services (EMS) providers area vital component of our nation's healthcare workforce.EMS personnel care for millions of critically illand injured patients every year, and many have recognized the need to help reduce injuries and illnesses in their communities1-4 and to provide additional care at the patient's home.5 EMS personnel are some of the first responders to disasters, and they may also help prepare their communities for possible disasters.6 Since September 11, 2001 their responsibilitiesin this area have been dramatically increasing; these added responsibilities have been largely underfunded,and little effort has been made to determine how these changes will affect the EMS infrastructure.7Although the nation depends on EMS as never before,the future of the workforce is at considerable risk.This paper describes the major issues currently affecting the EMS workforce in the United States.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 17-26 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of Emergency Management |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |