EMS Advocacy Toolkit for Agency Directors
Advocacy is a critical component of securing support, funding, and recognition for EMS agencies. This toolkit equips directors with the tools, resources, and strategies to effectively advocate for their agencies at local, state, and national levels.
1. Understanding Advocacy Goals
- Increase Funding: Advocate for sustainable funding sources at all government levels.
- Enhance Workforce Support: Push for programs addressing EMS
- Elevate EMS Visibility: Educate policymakers and the public on the vital role of EMS.
- Shape Policy: Influence legislation and regulations that impact EMS operations.
- Identify your core advocacy issues.
- Use data and personal stories to illustrate your points.
- Tailor your message to your audience (e.g., legislators, community leaders).
2. Building Relationships with Stakeholders
- Local government officials (e.g., mayors, council members).
- State legislators and regulators.
- Community leaders and influential organizations.
- Healthcare coalitions and public health departments.
- Schedule regular meetings to discuss EMS priorities.
- Invite stakeholders to visit your agency and observe operations.
- Attend community events and forums to increase visibility.
3. Engaging Policymakers
- Research: Understand the policymaker’s priorities and stance on EMS issues.
- Prepare: Develop a concise advocacy packet with key statistics, challenges, and proposed solutions.
- Communicate: Schedule meetings, write letters, or participate in public hearings.
- Follow Up: Send thank-you notes and updates on progress related to your advocacy efforts.
- Fact Sheets: Key data on EMS funding, workforce, and response times.
- Success Stories: Examples of lives saved and community impact.
- Policy Requests: Clear asks, such as increased funding or legislative changes.
4. Public Engagement Strategies
- Host open houses or EMS Week events to showcase your agency.
- Offer CPR and first aid training sessions.
- Participate in local parades, fairs, and public safety expos.
- Issue press releases for major achievements or initiatives.
- Share success stories and updates on social media platforms.
- Partner with local news outlets for feature stories on EMS services.
- Form coalitions with neighboring EMS agencies to amplify your message.
- Partner with fire and police departments for joint advocacy campaigns.
5. Leveraging Data for Advocacy
- Call volumes and response times.
- Financial needs and funding gaps.
- Workforce shortages and turnover rates.
- Community impact statistics (e.g., survival rates, patient outcomes).
- Electronic Patient Care Reporting (ePCR): Generate reports on call volume and types.
- GIS Mapping Tools: Visualize service areas and response times.
- Financial Management Software: Track budgets and funding needs.
6. Advocacy at the State and National Level
- Join state EMS associations to stay informed on legislative efforts.
- Advocate through groups like NAEMT and NASEMSO.
- Participate in national EMS Week and other awareness campaigns.
- Submit comments on federal rule changes affecting EMS.
- Attend state and national EMS advocacy events.
- Prepare talking points and materials in advance.
- Network with other EMS leaders to coordinate messaging.
7. Tools and Resources
- NAEMT Advocacy Handbook: Comprehensive guide for EMS advocacy.
- EMS on the Hill Day: Resources and events for federal advocacy.
- Legislative Tracking Software: Monitor bills and regulations impacting EMS.