KEMSA is the official Kansas chapter for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Therefore, we want to keep you informed about NAEMT by providing you with news and links to their website for more information. To learn more about NAEMT or to become a member and receive membership benefits, click here.

Legislative Update
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce has passed H.R. 3199, the Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act, out of Committee and onto the full House for its consideration. This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program for states to assist veterans who are trained in military emergency medicine to become state-licensed or certified emergency medical technicians. States that demonstrate that they have a shortage of emergency medical technicians can use grant funds to provide training, cover associated costs, and expedite the licensing or certification process. The grant program would be authorized at $5 million per year for fiscal years 2011-2015. Similar legislation, S. 1154, has also been introduced in the Senate.

NAEMT EMS on the Hill Day - May 3-4
The first annual EMS on the Hill Day was a great success. The NAEMT hosted event was held May 3-4 in Washington, D.C. This was the EMS community's first coordinated effort to visit congressional leaders and staff on Capitol Hill. There were 120 EMS professionals from 40 states and Puerto Rico advocating to more than 160 U.S. Senators and House Representatives. For complete information and to view photos from the event, click here.

NAEMT Announces Essay Contest Winners
May 18, 2010
In honor of National EMS Week, and to provide members with the opportunity to voice their pride in their profession, NAEMT introduced a new essay contest: Why EMS Matters... to You. This year's essay contest winners are:
First place - Kelly Buddenhagen, Ellijay, Ga.
Second place - John Wilbanks, Powell, Tenn.
Third place - Arron Paduaevans, Cherry Valley, Ark.
To view the text of the press release, click here.

NAEMT Releases Position Statement on Medical Direction in EMS
March 31, 2010
In a new position statement, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) states that medical direction is an essential component of an effective EMS system in order to ensure that patient care is administered with appropriate clinical oversight using medically accepted standards. All EMS systems, regardless of their delivery model, should operate with medical direction and oversight from an EMS physician.
To view the text of the position statement, click here.

NAEMT Releases Position Statement Opposing EMS Participation in Executions
February 16, 2010
In a new position statement, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) states its strong opposition to participation in capital punishment by EMTs, paramedics or other emergency medical practitioners. Participation in executions is viewed as contrary to the fundamental goals and ethical obligations of emergency medical services. Historically, the role of EMS practitioners has been to promote, preserve and protect human life. NAEMT’s EMT Oath is based on the basic principles of saving life, respect for human life and the non-infliction of harm to all recipients of emergency medical services.
To view the text of the position statement, click here.

NAEMT Advocates for Fair Pay and Benefits for EMS Practitioners in New Position Statement
February 9, 2010
In a new position statement, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) states its commitment to advocating for fair and equitable pay and benefits for EMS practitioners on parity with their partners in public safety and other allied health care services. To view the text of the position statement, click here.

NAEMT Introduces New Squad Membership Program
January 26, 2010
To offer EMS services more value, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has introduced a new squad membership program. To provide real value and savings for EMS squads, NAEMT has teamed up with some of the most prominent brands in EMS products and services. To learn about the new membership program, click here.

NAEMT Releases Position Statement on Operational Safety and Domestic Preparedness & Planning
January 12, 2010
With EMS practitioners serving on the front lines of our nation's defense, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has released a new position statement on operational safety and domestic preparedness and planning. The events of September 11, 2001, spurred the federal government to address strategies against threats posed by acts of terrorism. Terrorism continues to exist and evolve ― threatening EMS services and practitioners. As EMS practitioners are the first trained responders to arrive following a terrorist attack, placing them in a vulnerable position, NAEMT is committed to advocating for the safest practices and regulations to protect them ― such as operational security measures and domestic preparedness and planning.
To view the text of the position statement, click here.

NAEMT and EMS Magazine Establish National EMS Awards of Excellence
November 2, 2009
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and EMS Magazine are pleased to announce the establishment of the National EMS Awards of Excellence program to recognize outstanding achievement in the EMS profession. Other organizations participating include Advocates for EMS (AEMS), the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE), and the National EMS Managers Association (NEMSMA). The program will commence in 2010.
For complete information, click here.

Update on the Legislative Process with the Ryan White Act
October 22, 2009
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment and Extension Act of 2009 passed the House October 21, 2009 by a vote of 408 to 9.  The Senate passed the bill earlier this week so the bill now goes to President Obama for his signature into law. There are several new additions to the Ryan White Act which affect emergency care – and specifically emergency responders. 
For complete information, click here.