THE Emergency Medical Service Systems Act of 1973 became Public Law 93-154 on Nov 16, 1973. It promises to have a significant impact on the future practice of medicine. This law adds a section to the Public Health Services Act of 1944 (PL 78-410), "to provide assistance and encouragement for the development of comprehensive area-wide emergency medical systems." These systems are defined as the arrangement of personnel, facilities, and equipment for effective coordination and delivery in an appropriate geographical area of health care services under emergency conditions by a public or a nonpublic or private entity which has the authority and resources to provide effective administration.
The law demands that a local plan be developed, and it provides monies for feasibility and planning studies, initial establishment of operational systems, expansion of acceptable existing systems, and researches in emergency medical techniques and devices. It mandates local planning that will include consumers,