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

• Develop Researchers
• Facilitate Collaboration
• Establish a Reliable Funding Stream
• Establish Alternative Funding Sources
• Recognize The Need for EMS Research
• View Research as Necessary for the Improvement of Patient Care
• Create Reliable Information Systems
• Enhance Ethical Approaches to Research
• Conclusion

Introduction
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

Develop Researchers

High quality research will not occur unless there are individuals with the training and experience to accurately answer important questions. Currently, there are few expert researchers with an interest in EMS-related problems who have an understanding of the special challenges of conducting research in the EMS setting. Researchers with a wide variety of backgrounds including physicians, nurses, EMS professionals, public health experts, and scientists from other disciplines need to be encouraged to perform EMS research.

Recommendation 1.

A large cadre of career EMS investigators should be developed and supported in the initial stages of their careers. Highly structured training programs with content directed toward EMS research methodologies should be developed.

·         Fellowship training programs capable of producing at least five EMS researchers per year are needed. Federal agencies are potential funding sources for these fellowships. Ideally, fellowship programs should be at least two years in length and should produce individuals with training and expertise in both research methods and funding acquisition. A doctoral degree (PhD, MD, etc.) should be a prerequisite for entry into the training programs. Program funding that includes institutional overhead and provides funds to ensure that research projects can be accomplished during the fellowship is essential. Individual training grants specifically targeted to EMS specific topics and system evaluation should be available.