Preparedness requires a coordinated national effort involving every level of government, as well as the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals. EMS systems are essential to the nation’s preparation for the initial emergency medical response to catastrophic incidents, An EMS system, ready every day for every emergency, is the nation’s best preparation for the initial emergency medical response to catastrophic incidents. Continuing to integrate EMS into planning and preparedness initiatives is an area of national focus.