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Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services

EMS logo
EMS logo

About Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, is a system that provides emergency medical care to Hoosiers more than 2,000 times per day. EMS is most easily recognized when emergency vehicles or helicopters are seen responding to incidents, but EMS is much more than a ride to the hospital. It is a system of coordinated response and emergency medical care, involving multiple people and agencies. With more than 800 provider agencies, operating more than 2,000 ambulances, with more than 24,000 emergency medical personnel, EMS is the front line of the health care system safety net and stands proudly at the intersection of health care, public health and public safety.

The IDHS EMS Division leads and supports Indiana's EMS agencies and personnel. It oversees EMS certifications and training, and the division works closely with the EMS Commission to develop and implement EMS professional standards.

News

Map of Indiana with counties shaded according to number of EMS providers from adjacent counties
Map of Indiana with counties shaded according to number of EMS providers from adjacent counties
Statewide EMS Provider Survey Results Report Released

IDHS, in conjunction with the Indiana EMS Commission, led the effort to survey each county regarding EMS services, in accordance with Public Law 67-2024. The results of the survey have been released in a new report.

Read the Public Law 67-2024 Data Report

Sections and Services

  • Individuals
    EMS workers and patient by ambulance

    Individual Certifications

    You can access the full list of certification applications and instructions on the Individual Certifications page. The page also includes testing, continuing education and general information.

    Note: All certifications must be renewed online. Paper copies of individual renewals will only be accepted if you get audited. IDHS will issue paper copies of responders' initial certification via mail, but not for renewals. If you want a paper copy of your renewed certification, go to your Acadis Portal account and print it there.

    Individual certifications

  • Service Providers
    Row of ambulances with EMS symbols

    Service Provider Certifications and Forms

    On the Service Providers page, you can find forms for BLS and ALS providers, transport and non-transport, air ambulances, supervising hospitals, vehicle certification, exposure notification and out-of-hospital DNRs. General information, guidance documents and statutory information are also provided.

    Service providers

  • Training Institutions and Primary Instructors
    EMS students in training with manikin

    Training Institutions and Primary Instructors

    Certifications information, including reference manual and applications, are available for training institutions on the Training Institutions and Primary Instructors page. How to become a primary instructor, all the associated forms for primary instructors and EMS courses information are also available.

    Training institutions and primary instructors

  • Mobile Integrated Health (MIH)
    Community paramedic loading equipment into SUV

    Mobile Integrated Health

    Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), or community paramedicine, is a patient-centered model of care delivered in a patient's home or in a mobile environment. This includes teams that come to patients as well as the use of telehealth platforms. Community paramedics can visit patients at their home and assist with health screenings, vaccinations, treatments and follow-ups.

    In Indiana and around the country, MIH is a growing, innovative approach to how the EMS system works as part of the overall public health system. The EMS Commission and IDHS EMS Division actively support the development of MIH programs. Learn more about MIH and find local programs on the interactive MIH program dashboard.

    MIH

  • Resources and Data
    Illustration of brain with lightning and public safety symbols

    First Responder Behavioral Health

    All first responders need to know when they need help and how to get it. Organizational leaders and coworkers also need to establish work environments that provide adequate training, protect from overwork and support public safety personnel seeking help when they need it. Find resources for first responders on the First Responder Behavioral Health page.

    Behavioral health

    Person writing notes while another person's hands show frustration

    Complaint Form

    File a complaint, problem or issue online regarding Indiana certified providers or personnel.

    Complaint form

    EMS symbol with background

    EMS Data

    Local, state and federal organizations use EMS data to better inform health care decisions and policies. Find incident data, naloxone administration heat map, EMS Division annual reports and related information on the EMS Data page.

    EMS data

    Form with stethoscope on it

    EMS Forms

    Find Indiana EMS applications and forms in a comprehensive list.

    EMS forms

    President Grant on dollar bills

    EMS Grants

    A variety of grants are open to fire departments and EMS providers for EMS-related uses. Discover them via the EMS Grants page.

    EMS grants

    Hands wrapped around candle flame

    EMS Memorial

    The EMS Division remembers Indiana personnel who died in the line of duty.

    Memorial

    Mobile Sim Lab with patient simulator

    Mobile Simulation Laboratory (Sim Lab)

    Request the mobile simulation laboratory for EMS training. This free service, using a repurposed ambulance and human patient simulators, travels the state providing hands-on training.

    Mobile Sim Lab

    Medic holding tablet

    Vehicle Accident Reporting Form

    In compliance with IAC 836, all certified EMS providers must submit a vehicle accident report within 10 days when a provider vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle accident.

    Vehicle accident form

  • EMS Commission
    EMS Commission logo

    EMS Commission

    The EMS Commission is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of an effective system of emergency medical services. This includes the necessary equipment, personnel and facilities to ensure that all emergency patients receive prompt and adequate medical care throughout the range of emergency conditions encountered. The commission has also established the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Advisory Committee. Visit the Boards and Commissions page for more information, including instructions on submitting a waiver and recent meeting minutes.

    EMS Commission