PWW Advisory Group (PWW|AG) has released a new state-by-state report examining what it actually means for emergency medical services (EMS) to be designated an “essential service.” Essential in Name or Essential in Practice? The Difference Between Recognizing and Funding EMS explores the differences between simply recognizing EMS as essential and establishing responsibility for ensuring services are available and sustainably funded.

The report highlights how approaches vary significantly across the country. While some states recognize EMS as essential or vital to public health and safety, others go further by assigning responsibility for ensuring EMS is available or creating mechanisms to support funding. The key takeaway: calling EMS “essential” is not the same as making EMS essential.

This resource gives EMS leaders, policymakers and advocates an opportunity to better understand where their state stands and what meaningful essential-service legislation can look like.