National EMS research agenda: proceedings of the implementation symposium

The National EMS Research Agenda identified eight recommendations for improving the conduct of emergency medical services (EMS) research in the United States. EMS leaders from across the country attended a two-day symposium to discuss implementation of the Research Agenda recommendations. The participants suggested specific methods to move the recommendations forward. These included improving training opportunities for EMS researchers, stimulating increases in available funding sources, facilitating the integration of research into practice, and crafting alterations within the regulatory environment. Participants felt that EMS must be more broadly integrated into the public health continuum. Federal agencies, states, local governments, charitable foundations, and corporations are asked to examine their practices to increase opportunities for participation in EMS research programs at all stages of the process.