By Kristen Williams
WASHINGTON — On the 50th anniversary of the birth of modern EMS, EMS Strong reflects on the role the federal government has had in helping local agencies and care providers serve their communities.
Often cited as the foundation of modern emergency medical services, this year EMS recognizes the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking whitepaper, “Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society.” The paper, released by the National Academy of Sciences in 1966, assessed the mortality and injury rate among civilians during a time in which the number of people killed on the nation’s roadways was near epidemic proportions.
The findings and recommendations in the report led to the development of an EMS system that is much more sophisticated than the report’s authors likely predicted. As the industry looks ahead and plans for the next 50 years of EMS innovation, it’s important to reflect on the profession’s history, those who have and continue to shape the EMS landscape and the major milestones that helped create modern EMS.
Full story: A Federal Perspective: 50 Years of Helping EMS Systems Improve
Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society by Ed Praetorian
About EMS strong
EMS Strong is a campaign that seeks to celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical services. Created by the American College of Emergency Physicians in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, EMS Strong brings together associations, EMS services, sponsors and national media to honor the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.