• Since the beginning of the pandemic, EMS and fire personnel have endured death and long-term health issues due to COVID-19
• Despite the hazards they face the EMS workforce continues to provide essential, frontline healthcare services in local communities
• The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to the health and safety of EMS personnel, and their families
  • Left unmitigated, this threat impacts the ability of local EMS agencies to staff and effectively respond to emergency medical needs in their communities.
• Even now we are faced with the fact that COVID-19 will not be eradicated but will instead transition from a pandemic to an endemic
• A multi-layered approach is necessary to protect and preserve the vital EMS workforce. This multi-layered approach includes:
  • Adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Response protocols and procedures that help ensure the safety of responding EMS personnel
  • The implementation of evidence-based workplace practices which may prevent potential exposure to coronavirus to EMS personnel and their families
  • Education on the evidence-base, efficacy, and safety of currently approved COVID vaccines to help the EMS workforce make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of receiving the vaccine

Together, we strongly encourage local healthcare systems, government leaders, EMS agency leaders, regulatory officials, and the EMS workforce to collaboratively develop and implement multi-disciplinary strategies that protect and preserve the EMS workforce.

Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI)
International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED)
International Association of Emergency Medical Services Chiefs (IAEMSC)
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO)
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)