Emergency Medical Services Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How can we acquire an ambulance or fire truck for our rural EMS unit?
Answer:
North Central EMS Cooperative is an organization that has a network of more than 2000 EMS agencies in 24 states, which purchase equipment together on national contracts. In the western part of the U.S., the Western EMS Network provides similar cost savings opportunities. Also, USDA Rural Development sponsors the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program that may be used to purchase equipment for emergency medical services. Contact your local USDA Rural Development Office for specific information.
There are several commercial websites that specialize in EMS equipment. Some of these offer ambulances for sale or trade, while others provide a full range of fire and EMS apparatus. Some provide used ambulances, while others provide new or pre-owned ambulances, fire fighting apparatus, rescue or first responder vehicles.
Many municipal and volunteer fire and emergency services departments obtain surplus government property through the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program. Some of this property includes surplus government fire trucks. To inquire about obtaining this type of vehicle,
contact your State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP).
Question: How do we get an AED for our rural EMS unit?
Answer:
There are several funding opportunities listed in the RAC Funding section of this Website. The
Rural Access to Emergency Devices (RAED) Grant Program provides funding to rural communities to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and to train in their use and maintenance. However, the RAED Program received significant cuts in funding, resulting in the program not being open at this time.
Contact your state's EMS office. The National Association of State EMS Officials has a list of these offices.
Check with your state office of rural health. They may be aware of state or regional funding for AEDs.
RAC Information Specialists can also do a Foundation Directory search for you to see if any national or state foundations in your area provide for EMS equipment.
Question: Are there continuing education programs for EMS personnel?
Answer:
Several of the organizations and tools listed on this document contain continuing education information. In addition, FEMA provides
a comprehensive list of training and education resources available from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), including course offerings from both the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy (NFA). The NHTSA Office of EMS has developed and revised educational materials and resources for EMS personnel, programs, and systems. The Western EMS Network offers reduced pricing with one of the nations premier on-line continuing education providers.
Also, in the RAC News & Events section of this website there are several conferences/education programs listed.
Question: Who is my state EMS contact?
Answer:
The National Association of State EMS Officials has information on state EMS contacts.
Credits
Last revised 11/16/2009
