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

Establish a Reliable Funding Stream

The absence of funding for major EMS research represents a huge obstacle to improving the health of the public. Researchers cannot perform research without financial support. Most research accomplished to date within EMS has been conducted on shoestring budgets using volunteer labor, surplus supplies, and in kind contributions from hospitals, medical schools, and EMS agencies.

Researchers also need dedicated time to perform EMS research. Since investigators frequently have competing roles in their work, they are pressured by their institutions to spend time on projects with the best reimbursement. Institutions will release investigators from other responsibilities to concentrate on EMS research if there are incentives and advantages for the organization. Despite the lack of a concerted and focused effort, the advances in EMS that have occurred historically are remarkable. However, failing to intentionally plan for and fund EMS research will likely delay discoveries that have the potential to save untold numbers of lives.

Additional annual funding in an amount equal to 1% of the annual expenditures on EMS systems should be allocated for research into the effectiveness of those systems. This would mean approximately $50 million would be available for research each year.

Recommendation 3.

Federal agencies that sponsor research should acknowledge their commitment to EMS research.

·         The federal government should increase its commitment and support of EMS research.

·         A joint announcement, similar to that issued for EMS research concerning children (PS-01-044), should be issued to provide opportunities for conducting EMS research under the sponsorship of a group of federal agencies and to broadly describe the areas in which research is warranted. Each sponsoring agency should delineate and prioritize specific areas of interest and provide detailed information regarding application upon request.

·         The number of fully federally funded controlled clinical trials conducted in the EMS setting should increase by 25% each year for five years beginning in FY 2003.