Citation

Ann. Emerg. Med. 2019; 74(3): e29-e30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, American College of Emergency Physicians, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.05.004

PMID

31445562

Abstract

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) reaffirms that emergency medical services (EMS) systems provide essential health care elements in the health and well-being of communities. With innovative, involved, physician medical oversight, EMS is capable of serving multiple roles across the spectrum of public health and public safety.

ACEP believes that optimal EMS medical care can only be achieved when patients, EMS professionals, and all other persons in the EMS care environment are protected against violent acts. Such acts constitute a preventable and significant public health problem.

As such, ACEP advocates specific violence preventions and interventions in EMS beyond the “awareness-level” education that historically has largely constituted EMS violence-related initiatives.

Furthermore, ACEP strongly encourages all states to enact legislation that provides the maximum category of offense and criminal penalty against individuals who consciously commit violence against EMS and all health care professionals.

To promote safety and security in the EMS environment, ACEP believes in supporting violence prevention and intervention initiatives that include ...

Language: en