Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are a vital component of modern healthcare systems. Positioned at the intersection of acute, chronic and social care, EMS teams are the first point of contact for millions of people in urgent need.

ABOUT THE REPORT

We examine the current pressures facing EMS across Europe, encompassing operational efficiency, workforce sustainability, digital transformation, and system resilience. We highlight the opportunities for innovation and collaboration that can help shape a more responsive, integrated, and future-ready emergency care landscape.

Included is the EMS Optimisation Readiness (EMSOR) tool which equips policymakers and system leaders with a structured framework to evaluate current capabilities, uncover operational gaps, and guide strategic investment decisions.

This report has been developed with the support of key experts across government, academia, healthcare, and industry.

“Emergency medicine is evolving rapidly, but its core mission remains unchanged: to save lives. We believe that innovation must serve this mission by enhancing coordination, speed, and clinical excellence. The next generation of EMS must be both technologically advanced and deeply human.”

Professor Pierre Carli

Emeritus Professor of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Université Paris Cité & Chairman of the National Board of Hospital Emergencies, France