Index
Abstract
Dedication
Preface

• Process
• Similar Efforts

Definition of EMS for this Document
Federal Agencies Can Help Advance EMS Research
Executive Summary
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

Similar Efforts

Similar efforts to appraise research needs in medicine and within EMS have been conducted by other organizations. The Association of American Medical Colleges offers their view of the broad field of clinical research in a document entitled Breaking the Scientific Bottleneck, available on their web site at www.aamc.org/newsroom/clinres. One major observation in this document was that, “Clinical research is not adequately understood or valued by the public.” A comprehensive overview of the EMS system for children was published by The Institute of Medicine in 1993. This publication includes a list of research priorities.⁴ The EMS Outcomes Project compiled a prioritized list of conditions for adults and children that were amenable to EMS study, and included a list of EMS research topics.⁵ The Emergency Medical Services for Children program supported a similar project in which a list of important topics for future research in emergency medical services for children was developed for use by foundations, governmental agencies, and others in setting research agenda for such services.⁶

We add this document to the growing body of work calling attention to the need for the timely advancement of quality EMS research. It is our intent that this document be used by policy makers, EMS professionals and administrators, academicians, and interested members of the public as rationale for the allocation of resources to EMS research. We envision a not-too-distant future in which funding is available to enable collaboration between EMS professionals and academicians, support multi-center research, facilitate the development of new researchers, support the effective use of data from national databases, integrate education and training regarding research into EMS practice, and to promote the evaluation of important treatments in an efficient and highly productive manner.

It is time for change, time to make a difference, and time to limit injury and suffering within our capacity to do so. This document is intended to provide direction for the steps that must be taken to improve prehospital care for all Americans.