An Analysis of Prehospital Emergency Medical Services as an Essential Service and as a Public Good in Economic Theory

This white paper was produced to support the deliberations of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council regarding options for funding Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems at the state and local levels.

The paper explores the concept of an essential service as it relates to EMS and considers the pros and cons for states and localities of implementing EMS as an essential service. It also examines the characteristics of a public good in economic theory as they relate to EMS systems and discusses the general policy guidance economic theory offers regarding their efficient provision. The white paper, produced by the Academy's study team, does not take a position on whether EMS should be designated as an essential service, or on any other issues of Federal policy.