The National Workforce Assessment provides a critical review of EMS workforce literature, analysis of primary and secondary data, and interviews with experts in the field. The intent of this research is to provide guidance to the national EMS community in ensuring a viable EMS workforce for the future.
Workforce
Supporting efforts to strengthen workforce viability nationwide
For EMS systems to be effective, they must have access to a sufficient, stable, and well-trained workforce. To meet this need, NHTSA’s Office of EMS supports workforce research and develops resources designed specifically for EMS providers.
We also engage with our Federal partners and a wide variety of other stakeholders in programs to enhance the health and safety of the EMS workforce. Federal, State and local partners utilize NHTSA’s research to improve injury surveillance and help maintain a healthy EMS workforce.
In addition, in keeping with recent strategic goals set forth by the Federal Interagency Council on EMS (FICEMS), we support efforts to enhance interstate recognition and reciprocity of EMS personnel, and are working with State EMS offices to support the transition of military EMS personnel to civilian practice.
Resources
Reports and Research Studies
Provider Resources
This infographic, developed by NIOSH, recommends ways EMS personnel can protect themselves from injuries and exposures on the job.
The National EMS Workforce Data Definitions are a tool to improve the quality and consistency of EMS workforce data, and are intended for widespread adoption at the Federal, State and local level.
The EMS Workforce Agenda provides a vision for the future EMS workforce and suggests strategies to help ensure a robust and capable EMS workforce in the 21st century.
Workforce Safety
Fatigue is a threat to safety for EMS personnel, their patients and the public. A project team led by NHTSA, NASEMSO and industry experts created guidelines for fatigue mitigation based on the best available evidence, released in 2019.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Firefighter Fatality Reports indicate many firefighters and emergency responders have died on duty from crashes involving emergency and personal vehicles. This document outlines tips for safe emergency vehicle operations.
This comprehensive, easy-to-use guide serves as a resource to develop or enhance EMS agencys' current knowledge of infection prevention strategies. This guide is intended as a roadmap to develop a comprehensive infection prevention program.
This document outlines an employer's responsibilities in protecting workers from workplace injuries or illnesses.
This report presents the qualitative findings of a consensus process resulting in EMS and data system stakeholder agreement on the utility of existing data systems for an EMS workforce illness and injury surveillance, a set of elements and characteristics of the surveillance system and a set of conclusions and recommendations.
This document provides recommendations and strategies in the form of 10 guidelines for State EMS Offices to encourage and guide them in a collective effort to address core workforce issues.
NIOSH collects data on nonfatal injuries and illnesses among EMS workers by using the occupational supplement to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.
Additional Information
The Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS) program is part of FEMA's National Preparedness Assessment Division, whose mission is to advance all hazards preparedness by assessing and communicating investments, activities and accomplishments related to national preparedness.