WASHINGTON — The federal government is seeking new members for the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC), weeks after the Department of Transportation abruptly terminated the council’s previous roster.
NEMSAC is a federal panel that advises the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) on issues affecting the EMS community. NEMSAC includes EMS and 911 professionals as well as consumer representatives. Its membership includes EMS and 911 professionals as well as consumer representatives. Federal officials say state and local 911 leaders play a key role by offering input to improve coordination between 911 and EMS systems nationwide.
| MORE: Myth-busting the National EMS Advisory Council
Appointments are for two-year terms, and applications must be received by 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 20, 2025. Members are selected to reflect broad EMS interests rather than represent specific organizations. Service is unpaid, and the council meets quarterly, typically virtually.
NHTSA says the goal is to ensure the council reflects the full EMS community. Members may be reappointed but cannot serve more than two consecutive terms without special authorization. Former members are eligible to apply.
Selections will be based on the application materials submitted. Qualified individuals should apply by the deadline by emailing the required documents, outlined in the Federal Register notice, to NEMSAC@dot.gov.
In August, Office of EMS Director Gamunu Wijetunge informed NEMSAC members that their appointments had been terminated immediately. No explanation was given, though the correspondence acknowledged the council’s contributions to EMS policy and practice. Several former members voiced concern that the move would stall progress on advisories related to workforce retention, provider safety, mobile integrated healthcare funding and other pressing issues.
