title: An overview of prehospital emergency medical services.
abstract: Prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) provide lifesaving care daily in the United States. This article outlines the development of this vital public safety endeavor and highlights the characteristics of the Rhode Island system.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Medical Director for numerous RI EMS agencies.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Kenneth A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rhodes
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D012237:Rhode Island; D014481:United States
keywords: EMS; Prehospital; Rhode Island; ambulance; emergency medical services