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NHTSA 14-12
Friday, May 25, 2012
Contact: Derrell Lyles, 202-366-9550


Traffic safety agency celebrates 40 years of commitment to emergency responders as part of 'National EMS Week'



WASHINGTON – As health professionals across the country mark "National EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Week," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today launched a new look and feel for its EMS.gov website to better serve first responders and the health care community. NHTSA has spearheaded EMS programs for 40 years and its EMS.gov website is a premier online resource for information on EMS programs, events, and educational materials.

"Millions of motorists each year rely on the expertise, commitment, and compassion of EMS professionals," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "These well-trained, first responders have helped up make significant progress as a nation in reducing traffic deaths and injuries."

The redesigned EMS website includes enhanced features that make it easier for EMS professionals as well as federal, state, and local agencies to access the latest professional news, education programming, events, projects, and other information.

"We know that our coordinated system of emergency medical services is reducing the tragic toll from traffic crashes on America's roadways," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "Forty years later, NHTSA is more committed than ever to ensuring our EMS systems are equipped to meet the challenges in the 21st century."

Since the 1960s, NHTSA has worked closely with partners around the country to provide critical tools for improving EMS systems that include educational materials and resources for state and local EMS personnel and technical support for universal 9-1-1 systems. NHTSA works closely with federal partner agencies through the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) and receives expert guidance through the U.S. Department of Transportation's National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC).

To learn more, please visit www.EMS.gov.