IAEP Endorses EMS Labor Alliance National Report

March 03, 2011

In a March 2 letter to Vice President Joe Biden, IAEP National President David J. Holway endorsed the recently released Consolidated Federal Leadership for Emergency Medical Services report.

EMS professionals from around the country, including IAEP Local R1-95 (Worcester EMS of Massachusetts), joined forces with the EMS Labor Alliance to create the report. The CFLEMS report contains recommendations to streamline national oversight of EMS, improve the way EMS agencies receive federal grant money, and urge the creation of a national standard for EMS. 

“The time has come to make a career in EMS more than just a stepping stone.  The proud women and men we represent make numerous sacrifices in the name of serving others, and it is time we work together to recognize the importance of their profession,” stated National President Holway in his letter to the vice president.  

Dating back to 1966, the initial White Paper is a landmark in the development of the EMS system in the United States.  The document helped shape the EMS system across the country, influencing federal regulations and the way grant money is distributed to EMS agencies.  The previous report, however, was in dire need of updates to reflect the current state of the EMS profession and the continuing changes that affect the system as a whole.  

“The purpose of updating the White Paper is to show how the EMS industry has evolved since the 1960’s,” said IAEP Communications Officer Philip Petit.  “Our members and their brothers and sisters in EMS are highly skilled professionals and should be recognized for their important role in public safety.”

The IAEP will continue to update you on the progress of this report.  If you are interested in learning more about EMSLA and how you can become more involved in fighting to improve the EMS profession as a whole, please visit their web site. 

Read the Consolidated Federal Leadership for Emergency Medical Services

Read National President Holway’s endorsement letter to the vice president