Washington, DC – The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today approved legislation introduced by Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) that will help increase and improve federal support for community-based emergency medical services (EMS) in Maine and across the country. The Emergency Medical Services Support Act would enhance coordination among the federal agencies involved with state, local, tribal, and regional emergency medical services and 9-1-1 systems. It would help federal agencies coordinate their EMS-related activities and make the best use of established funding to support local and state efforts.
“The Federal government must become an effective partner to the dedicated men and women who provide EMS services across our nation,” said Senator Collins. “The Emergency Medical Services Support Act will enhance coordination among the federal agencies that work with state, local, tribal and regional emergency medical services and 911 systems. It will help to assure federal agencies coordinate their EMS-related activities and make the best use of established funding. This legislation will also ensure that experienced EMS providers at the state and local levels have input in regulatory discussions among federal agencies.”
Currently, more than seven federal agencies are involved in various segments of the emergency medical services system, but their efforts are not effectively coordinated with state and local EMC and 911 systems. Senator Collins’ legislation would establish a Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services to improve coordination of all federal effort to strengthen EMS preparedness efforts. It would also establish an advisory committee consisting of EMS organizations and practitioners.
“The emergency medical services system is one of the most important parts of our health care safety net,” said Senator Collins. “A comprehensive, coordinated emergency medical services system is essential to assure prompt, quality care to help individuals when they need it, whether due to an automobile crash, a traumatic medical emergency, or a terrorist event.”
Senator Collins’ legislation was approved today by the Committee by unanimous voice vote. The bill next moves to consideration by the full Senate. The Director of Maine Emergency Medical Services and the Executive Director of LifeFlight Maine have expressed support for Senator Collins’ bill. The EMS Support Act is also supported by: Advocates for EMS, American Ambulance Association, American Heart Association, Association of Air Medical Services, Emergency Nurses Association, National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators, National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Directors, and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.