Two handbooks developed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Affairs and the U.S. Fire Administration have been released. The Handbook for EMS Medical Directors, released in March, was produced in cooperation with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. In releasing the document, Alex Garza, M.D., DHS chief medical officer, calls EMS medical directors an essential component of local-level emergency response.
“Their critical oversight and medical direction ensure that patients receive effective emergency medical care—a vital part of this nation’s homeland security,” he says.
The 82-page document provides an overview of key responsibilities “to assist current and prospective medical directors in performing their important missions.” For a free copy, visit usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/handbook_for_ems_medical_directors.pdf.
Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services, released in April, was created in cooperation with the International Fire Services Training Association. It is an updated revision with complete information about federal funding sources and also includes new information about innovative funding sources not included in previous editions. Topics include how to write an effective grant proposal, state funding, cost-saving strategies, and a lengthy discussion of alternative forms of funding, including subscription programs, private ambulance company contract agreements, interfacility transports and in-home services.
For a free download, go to usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_331.pdf.
