The Council on Emergency Medical Care (CEMC) is a coalition comprised of subject-matter experts and policy makers with representation from organizations across the US Government (USG). The CEMC serves to provide policy level guidance and facilitate inter-agency coordination. This entity contributes to the development and advancement of Federal priorities relating to emergency medical care and informs the development of joint strategies and cohesive policies across the USG to collaborate and coordinate ongoing efforts to improve the nation's emergency care system.
The ECCC works in close coordination with the NHTSA Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Federal Interagency Committee for Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS). Whereas NHTSA/EMS and FICEMS were established to ensure coordination among the Federal agencies involved with state, local, tribal, or regional pre-hospital emergency medical services and 9–1–1 systems, the ECCC and CEMC were established to address issues relating to in-hospital emergency medical care. Together, these organizations contribute to the Emergency Care Enterprise (ECE) that spans the entire spectrum of the emergency care system.
There is great interest in US healthcare system reform to ensure high quality care in a more effective and safe environment. A central underpinning for the healthcare system is our ability to provide effective emergency care. The US Emergency Care System (ECS) is often called the safety net in recognition of its crucial role as the source of last resort for healthcare for some and the source of first resort for others. Seamless integration of primary care, the medical home and the ECS are vital to the success of our current healthcare reform efforts. The ECCC and CEMC are committed to this vision of an effective integrated and accountable emergency care system.