Insider analysis: ‘What truly matters in EMS systems’

A coalition of EMS organizations advocates for new performance indicators that prioritize effectiveness, safety, satisfaction, equity and efficiency over traditional response times

August 08, 2024

The Overrun Podcast & Blog

What happened: On July 31st, a significant shift in evaluating EMS performance metrics was heralded by the publication of a joint statement from 16 prominent EMS organizations. This initiative involves key players like the American Ambulance Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians and the International Association of EMS Chiefs.

This diverse coalition seeks to redefine the key performance indicators (KPIs) for EMS systems, emphasizing metrics that are effective, safe, satisfying, equitable and efficient.

16 EMS groups publish joint statement on EMS performance metrics

Highlights

Watch as Ed Bauter, MBA, MHL, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C; and Daniel Schwester, MICP, highlight the significance of this development, including:

• A move away from response times. Historically, response times have dominated as the primary measure of EMS system quality. However, growing evidence suggests that response times alone do not correlate with improved patient outcomes. The joint statement challenges the long-held belief that faster response times equate to better patient care.
• Reduced red lights and sirens. The statement draws attention to the inherent risks associated with the use of red lights and sirens, which have been shown to increase the likelihood of collisions by up to 60%. These incidents not only endanger patients and providers but also civilians. The focus now is on using lights and sirens only when they provide a direct, demonstrable benefit to patient outcomes.
• A nuanced approach to performance metrics. This shift represents a fundamental change in EMS practice, advocating for performance indicators that reflect the quality of care provided, rather than the speed of response. The coalition’s unified stance marks a critical step towards a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to EMS evaluation.

As EMS systems nationwide begin to adopt these new metrics, the focus will likely shift towards improving the overall quality and safety of patient care.

This evolution in performance measurement promises to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of EMS services, ultimately benefiting patients, providers, and communities alike.