It is essential to have the public's understanding and support for the EMS system to ensure its proper development and utilization.

This guide encompasses those procedures, considerations, and resources that are necessary for a successful EMS public information, education, and relations program. Complex EMS systems may integrate or augment, or both, this guide in its entirety. Less complex systems may need to collaborate with other EMS organizations and related agencies. Responsibility for this guide will vary by level of authority, that is, state, regional, and local. (See Guide F1086.)

The PIER tasks involve research, planning, production, distribution, and evaluation. Production requires significant resources and expertise and may be done most appropriately at the higher level, such as regional, state, and national levels.

1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide national voluntary standards and recommendations to effectively provide emergency medical service system information and education to the public.