NAEMT Advocacy Program

The purpose of the NAEMT Advocacy program is to represent our members on the issues that impact the EMS work environment and the ability of EMS practitioners to effectively serve their patients. NAEMT is the united voice on the issues that matter most, including:

• Respect and recognition from the government, other medical professionals and the public.
• Pay that reflects the training, responsibilities and dedication of today’s EMS professionals.
• Improved benefits such as death and disability coverage.
• Leadership at the federal level on par with police and fire representation.
• Necessary, balanced and equitable funding for EMS in all locations.
• Public policy that supports all prehospital practitioners as well as the patients they serve.

We monitor federal legislative initiatives and determine what action the association should take in support for or against any particular piece of legislation. This may result in our sending a letter of support so that legislators and the public know that NAEMT is supporting specific legislation. Or, we may prepare comments and suggestions to legislation that is being proposed. We participate in lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. We prepare and publish position statements that define where NAEMT stands on important EMS issues. And, we reach out to other EMS organizations and government agencies through our liaison program.

NAEMT is also one of the four sponsoring organizations of Advocates for EMS. AEMS is dedicated to promoting, educating and increasing awareness among decision-makers in Washington on issues affecting EMS providers. AEMS advocates for all types of EMS, whether they are fire-based, volunteer, third service, public or private, by monitoring and influencing legislation and regulatory activity involving EMS and raising awareness among lawmakers on issues of importance to EMS.

NAEMT encourages all its leaders and members to read the NAEMT Grassroots Lobbying Guide and to use it as a foundation for reaching out to elected officials. The Association and the entire EMS profession needs the support of each and every EMT and Paramedic to promote legislation that protects the health and safety of EMS practitioners, and a work environment that supports professionalism and quality patient care.