U.S. Fire Administration and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs Develop Online Educational Outreach Program for EMS Medical Directors

EMMITSBURG, MD – The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the DHS Office of Health Affairs (OHA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), has developed an innovative online educational outreach program and focused website for physician medical directors of local departments and agencies who are involved in emergency medical services (EMS) response.

"This web-based program for current and prospective EMS medical directors will provide information in a conveniently accessible format to support key roles in the provision of EMS to communities," said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell.

The online program, developed by the IAFC as part of a cooperative agreement with the DHS OHA and USFA, complements the recently released Handbook for EMS Medical Directors and covers a wide variety of topics for the EMS medical director ranging from occupational health and safety to liability issues.

"DHS Office of Health Affairs is committed to supporting the critical role of the EMS medical directors," said Dr. Alexander G. Garza, DHS Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. "This program will assist them in the delivery of effective emergency medical treatment by emergency medical providers."

This initiative is designed to assist EMS medical directors in their role of providing medical oversight and direction, training, protocol development, and resource deployment advice.

"The IAFC and its EMS Section were pleased to work in partnership with the USFA and DHS OHA in this effort to continually support medical directors who are crucial to the effective delivery of EMS throughout this country," said IAFC President and Chairman of the Board, Chief Al Gillespie.

Further information on USFA's EMS research initiatives may be found on the USFA website.