A Research Study of Ambulance Operations and Best Practice Considerations for Emergency Medical Services Personnel

The emergency medical services (EMS) community faces many challenges in providing patient care while maintaining the safety of their patients and themselves. One factor that influences patient care and safety is the ability of the EMS provider operating the ambulance to quickly but safely maneuver to the site of the medical emergency and subsequently transport the patient(s) to the hospital. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Emergency Medical Services Community identified a need to research best practices for ambulance operators and identify safety gaps. This research report coincides with the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, BMT Designers and Planners (D&P), and Carlow International’s project to develop ambulance safety and design standards and recommendations. The project provides design guidance for ambulance patient compartments for crash-worthiness, patient safety and comfort, and EMS provider safety and performance. This research report summarizes the efforts of this team to identify best practices and considerations for use and consideration by the EMS community.