Role of EMS in Disaster Response - A Position Statement and Resource Document of NAEMSP.

Abstract

The National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP) advocates for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to play an integral role in all phases of disaster management -preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. An inherently strong EMS system mitigates some of the negative impacts of disaster by supporting a more resilient population and a robust response capability. EMS must be a sustainable resource that is able to continue to provide care to the community even after a disaster response. This resource document will outline the basis for the corresponding NAEMSP position statement on the role of EMS in disaster management.