Index
Abstract
Dedication
Preface
Definition of EMS for this Document
Federal Agencies Can Help Advance EMS Research
Executive Summary
Introduction

• EMS Impact
• Is EMS Cost-effective?
• Need for Outcome Measurement
• Organized Research Effort Needed

History of EMS Research
The Present State of EMS Research
Overcoming the Barriers to EMS Research
Summary
Appendix A: The National EMS Research Agenda Writing Team
Appendix B: Organizations Invited to Participate in the National Review Team
Appendix C: Ethical Standards and IRB Requirements
Appendix D Inclusion Of Women And Minorities In Research Study Populations Involving Human Subjects
Inclusion Of Children As Participants In Research Involving Human Subjects
Appendix E: Bibliographic List of Internet Links
Appendix F: Published EMS Randomized Clinical Trials
References

Is EMS Cost-effective?

EMS systems are expensive to operate. The true economic burden of EMS is widely distributed and therefore well hidden from view. In the Medicare program alone, more than $2.5 billion is spent for patient transportation. It is estimated that $5 billion is spent on EMS in the United States each year. More detail on the costs of the EMS system is available in the document describing the Negotiated Rule Making process on EMS reimbursement sponsored by the Health Care Financing Administration on the Internet at www.hcfa.gov/medicare/comstate.htm.²³ The incremental costs and benefits of different levels of EMS care are poorly quantified²⁴ and remain the subjects of ongoing studies.^25,26