Expanding the Role of Emergency Medical Services in Homeland Security

Abstract : Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has an established nationwide workforce that has not participated in homeland security as a full partner. EMS is a profession in transition that is looking to establish its identity and expand in ways that enhance its overall mission. This thesis explores the role of EMS in response, recovery, acting as intelligence sensors, participation in fusion centers, and syndromic surveillance to see if there are practical applications and logical integrations that could provide value to homeland security. EMS has an opportunity to take advantage of new models and technologies to meet the needs of the citizens and to improve the outcomes of patients. EMS should consider what expanded roles in homeland security enhances the EMS profession, improves security at home, and meets current goals of EMS across the nation. Comparative analysis, application, evaluation, measurement, and vulnerability assessment provided several potential new roles for EMS in homeland security.