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NHTSA seeks applicants for National EMS Advisory Council

After terminating the previous NEMSAC council, the Department of Transportation says it seeks members who fairly represent diverse EMS and 911 roles

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.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.