EMS Service Integration in American Indian and Native Alaskan Rural Communities

Abstract

This article outlines several initiatives to optimize and expand emergency medical services (EMS) in American Indian and Native Alaskan (AI/NA) rural communities. It highlights the significance of cultural humility, cost-effectiveness, equity, and tribal sovereignty in EMS licensure and describes key infrastructure improvements (eg, roads and communication systems) to EMS responsiveness in AI/NA rural communities. This article also examines practical and financial strategies for integrating telehealth and drone-based delivery of critical medicines into rural EMS response capacity.