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Search the Noteworthy Practices database Emergency Medical Services Partner - MarylandOriginal publication: SHSP Implementation Process Model, Supplement Number 1 – Case Studies; FHWA-SA-10-025; 2010 (PDF, 1MB)Publication Year: 2010Key Accomplishments
Originally, Maryland’s SHSP development process envisioned EMS as part of all emphasis areas. However, given the importance of EMS in improving safety, the State EMS Director felt a more focused effort was needed. The Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Service Systems (MIEMSS) discussed the issue with the SHSP Executive Committee, and they decided to add EMS as a separate emphasis area. The EMS emphasis area team, which includes key EMS and law enforcement representatives, developed an action plan funded primarily by the State EMS agency. The MIEMSS Public Information Director was assigned to work with the Executive Director and other members of the emphasis area team on the implementation plan and serve as cochair of the SHSP Public Information Committee. This committee meets periodically to review various public information and education activities such as the “Choose Safety for Life” campaign launched in the summer of 2008. MIEMSS promotes safe driving through a number of other activities, such as the “Drunk Driving – It’s Been Done to Death” media campaign launched in October 2007. The agency also advises the Distracted Driving emphasis area team. For example, with their input the team eliminated an action step to implement the use of screens for blocking traffic incidents from motorist view due to the view shared by both EMS and law enforcement that the action was unworkable. ResultsCreation of an EMS emphasis area raised visibility of this important safety component among SHSP stakeholders. The EMS team made significant contributions to public information efforts. EMS stakeholders actively contribute to other emphasis areas, further reinforcing the 4E approach to safety. Contact: Publication Year: 2010 |