This guide is not meant to mandate a specific structure or responsibility at the various levels but rather to suggest a means or method that will allow for the creation or further development of a state, regional, or local EMS system.

This guide will assist state, regional, or local organizations in establishing EMS systems or refining existing EMS systems.

1.1 This guide establishes optimum guidelines for the structures and responsibilities that will facilitate development, delivery, and assessment of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on state, regional, and local levels.

1.1.1 State Level—At the state level, this guide sets forth a basic structure for the organization and management of a state emergency medical services program and outlines the responsibilities of the state in the planning, development, coordination, and regulation of emergency medical services throughout the state.

1.1.2 Regional Level—At the regional level, this guide addresses the planning, development, and coordination of a functional and comprehensive EMS system which consists of all personnel, equipment, and facilities necessary for the response to the emergently ill or injured patient, according to national and state lead agency standards.

1.1.3 Local Level—At the local level, this guide sets forth a basic structure for the organization and management of a local EMS system and outlines the responsibilities that a local EMS should assume in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluating of its EMS system.