NEMSIS Technical Assistance Center

A new JAMA research letter analyzing NEMSIS data reports that heat-related EMS activations increased 65% nationwide, rising from 12.5 to 20.7 per 100,000 people. While overall heat-related EMS activations grew, several groups demonstrated rapid heat-specific increases, including adults ages 35–64, communities with household incomes of $25,000–$35,000, and agencies serving the Mountain and West South Central census divisions. The study also found that adults 75 years old and older had the highest absolute rate of heat-related EMS activations in 2024 (44.4 per 100,000). Higher income areas showed slower heat-related increases, suggesting stronger adaptive capacity. These insights support ongoing planning efforts as EMS agencies assess resource needs, prepare for seasonal demand, and monitor how heat exposure is evolving across regions. Access the article here: https://lnkd.in/d5aG-iVC

Using NEMSIS data, researchers found that establishing State Medical Operations Coordination Centers (SMOCCs) during the pandemic was associated with a 35% immediate increase in hospital-to-hospital transfer rates. They also examined changes over time and noted that, although transfer rates later leveled off, SMOCCs appeared to respond dynamically to hospital occupancy challenges, particularly as bed availability tightened. The study also showed that after roughly 40 weeks of SMOCC operation, transfer activity increased in step with rising occupancy stress, demonstrating how coordination centers may help maintain patient flow during high-demand periods. These patterns were consistent across rural and urban settings, transport modes, patient ages, and acuity levels. The findings provide new insights into how statewide coordination efforts can influence EMS transfer activity during large-scale public health emergencies. Access the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gvCBXsrM

A new study using NEMSIS data examined more than 744,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) from 2021–2022 to understand how neighborhood socioeconomic conditions relate to whether an event is witnessed. Researchers found a clear pattern: as neighborhood poverty increased, the likelihood that an OHCA was witnessed decreased. Arrests occurring in ZIP codes where more than 10% of residents live below the poverty line were significantly less likely to be witnessed than those in areas with less than 5%. These findings suggest that community-level factors, such as social isolation, may influence early recognition of cardiac arrest. This study highlights how neighborhood context may shape patient outcomes before EMS crews arrive. The authors note that more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these differences. Access the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gmpEHMhB

Bryan Wilson, MD (NEMSQA), highlights an important observation from the data: a significant portion of patients who ultimately do not survive were still showing signs of life when EMS arrived. Understanding these patterns helps guide the development of meaningful, evidence-based approaches to improve assessment and treatment in the field. Watch the full training video recording here: https://lnkd.in/g9aBx7av

Researchers examined state-level EMS protocols and nationwide practice patterns related to the prehospital use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). The authors reviewed publicly available EMS protocols and NEMSIS data to better understand how NIPPV is implemented during 9-1-1 EMS responses. Among states with an NIPPV protocol, early use was more commonly recommended for suspected pulmonary edema than for bronchospasm. However, national practice patterns showed that NIPPV was used far more often for bronchospasm (44% of cases) compared with 16.2% for pulmonary edema. Further research may help better align EMS protocols with real-world practice. NEMSIS data offers valuable insight into how NIPPV is applied across the country, helping researchers and EMS leaders better understand current practice patterns. Access the article here: https://lnkd.in/g8C2DxXe

A new study examines nationwide trends in prehospital blood product use after injury from 2020 to 2023, using NEMSIS data. Researchers analyzed more than 20 million trauma activations and found that between 260,000 and 1.2 million adult patients met criteria indicating potential eligibility for prehospital blood transfusion during this period. The study reports that fewer than 1% of potentially eligible patients received a prehospital blood transfusion, despite the estimated need increasing over time. The authors describe this gap between potential demand and documented use and discuss factors that may contribute to limited utilization. As the authors note, meeting the growing nationwide demand for prehospital blood products will require coordinated efforts among healthcare organizations, EMS systems, blood suppliers, policymakers, and others to better understand and address barriers to utilization. NEMSIS data can support these efforts by providing a national view of prehospital trauma care and related trends. Access the article here: https://lnkd.in/dQDZNPG6

A recent study shows how NEMSIS data can be used to evaluate real-world changes in EMS clinical practice at a national scale. Using the 2020 NEMSIS public-release dataset, researchers analyzed more than 43 million EMS records to examine how EMS agencies responded to early CDC guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic that recommended limiting aerosol-generating procedures, including nebulized albuterol administration. The analysis found a rapid and sustained reduction in albuterol use across EMS systems nationwide, with administrations declining by more than 60% within six weeks of the guidance, far outpacing the rate of change seen in many previous EMS deimplementation efforts. This study highlights the value of standardized, national EMS data for assessing system responsiveness, adherence to public health guidance, and large-scale practice change during emergencies. Access the study here: https://lnkd.in/d7rbc9b8

The National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) is the largest repository of emergency medical services activation data in the United States, collecting, storing, and sharing tens of millions of records each year. Through a standardized national data set, NEMSIS enables local, state, and national EMS stakeholders to consistently document EMS activations and transmit those records from agencies to state offices and ultimately to the National EMS Database. This automated process occurs within minutes of a clinician closing a patient care report, ensuring timely, high-quality data while protecting the privacy of patients, clinicians, and agencies. Only de-identified national-level data are retained in the National EMS Database and made available for public use. NEMSIS data support critical functions across the EMS and public health landscape, including system performance assessment, resource allocation, evaluation of clinical interventions, and strategic planning. The data are widely used for public health surveillance and for academic, clinical, and operational research that informs policy and practice. NEMSIS also provides dashboards, helping states and agencies develop targeted interventions to improve patient care. Through public-facing tools, dashboards, and research datasets provided by the NEMSIS Technical Assistance Center, stakeholders can access and analyze data that drive evidence-based decision-making and support the EMS systems of tomorrow. Watch the intro video here: https://lnkd.in/gQbwXSub

To the EMS data community that keeps all of us moving forward: THANK YOU! Your curiosity, persistence, and steady dedication have shaped another year of real progress. Behind every dataset is a team pushing for better care, clearer insights, and stronger systems, and your work shows. We’re grateful for everything you’ve contributed. During the holidays, we hope you find the space to slow down, step back, and be with the people who matter most. This season serves as a timely reminder that rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation are essential components of the work. As we look ahead to 2026, we move forward with renewed focus, a shared purpose, and the collective momentum that continues to strengthen EMS nationwide. Happy Holidays from all of us at the NEMSIS TAC!

A new study compared out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) at U.S. airports compared to other public locations. Researchers found that airports had significantly higher rates of witnessed cardiac arrests, immediate CPR, and early use of AEDs. These factors contributed to better survival outcomes for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest in airport settings. The study highlights how preparedness and rapid response can make a life-saving difference. Airports often have trained personnel, accessible AEDs, and clear emergency protocols, which help ensure timely intervention. These elements create an environment where cardiac arrest victims have a greater chance of survival compared to other public spaces. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gZwnzw7W