Better Data, Better Care: NEMSQA, FLCEMS, FDOH Launch Initiative to Bridge Data Gaps in Rural Emergency CareIRVING, TX — January 22, 2026 — The National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Florida Center for EMS (FLCEMS), announces the launch of the EMS Data Quality and Utilization Improvement Project.
The project is designed to drive better care through better data, ensuring that emergency medical services (EMS) can fully engage in clinical and system improvement with a particular focus on strengthening rural communities in Florida.
"This project is the next phase of the F.A.I.R. EMS Measurement Project, F.A.I.R. 2.0," said Steve McCoy, Director for Emergency Preparedness and Community Support Florida Department of Health. "Rural EMS agencies often face significant challenges in data collection, reporting, and performance measurement. The F.A.I.R. Project—focused on Feasible, Actionable, Impactful, and Relevant measures—was created to close these gaps. With new funding and national collaboration, the project now aims to ensure rural EMS providers can fully participate in using their data to improve care."
Some key components of the project include a needs assessment to identify barriers and opportunities in EMS data reporting, data quality guidelines to strengthen NEMSIS submissions, software enhancement recommendations to improve ePCR vendor tools and measure tracking, training and education materials, and a state-level program to recognize agencies meeting high standards in data quality and performance.
These resources will provide EMS agencies with a clear roadmap for adopting data-driven quality improvement programs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Florida has long been a leader in EMS quality improvement and a collaborator with NEMSQA, supporting the development of more than 30 EMS quality measures, ten of which were approved as national NEMSQA measures in 2023. These measures have been widely implemented across the country through ePCR vendor software, national collaboratives, and physician-led quality and safety programs.
Despite this progress, challenges remain in data quality and measure implementation at local, state, and national levels. This project represents the first formal evaluation and strategic response to those challenges, offering practical solutions and guidance to EMS agencies nationwide.
"High-quality data is the foundation of high-quality care," said Michael Redlener, Immediate-President of the Board of NEMSQA. "This project ensures that EMS agencies—especially those in rural communities—have the tools, training, and support they need to participate fully in national quality improvement efforts. Together with our partners in Florida, we are building a stronger, more reliable EMS system for patients everywhere."
By addressing data quality gaps and providing actionable strategies, the EMS Data Quality and Utilization Improvement Project will serve as a national model for rural EMS agencies, ensuring that all communities—urban and rural alike—are fully equipped to deliver high-quality, data-driven emergency medical services.
Media Contact:
National EMS Quality Alliance
Sheree Murphy
For more information, visit:
Florida Department of Health – F.A.I.R. EMS Measurement Project
https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/ems-system/fair-project/index.html
Better Data, Better Care: NEMSQA, FLCEMS, FDOH Launch Initiative to Bridge Data Gaps in Rural Emergency Care IRVING, TX — January 22, 2026 — The National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Florida Center for EMS (FLCEMS), announces the launch of the EMS Data Quality and Utilization Improvement Project. The project is designed to drive better care through better data, ensuring that emergency medical services (EMS) can fully engage in clinical and system improvement with a particular focus on strengthening rural communities in Florida. "This project is the next phase of the F.A.I.R. EMS Measurement Project, F.A.I.R. 2.0," said Steve McCoy, Director for Emergency Preparedness and Community Support Florida Department of Health. "Rural EMS agencies often face significant challenges in data collection, reporting, and performance measurement. The F.A.I.R. Project—focused on Feasible, Actionable, Impactful, and Relevant measures—was created to close these gaps. With new funding and national collaboration, the project now aims to ensure rural EMS providers can fully participate in using their data to improve care." Some key components of the project include a needs assessment to identify barriers and opportunities in EMS data reporting, data quality guidelines to strengthen NEMSIS submissions, software enhancement recommendations to improve ePCR vendor tools and measure tracking, training and education materials, and a state-level program to recognize agencies meeting high standards in data quality and performance. These resources will provide EMS agencies with a clear roadmap for adopting data-driven quality improvement programs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Florida has long been a leader in EMS quality improvement and a collaborator with NEMSQA, supporting the development of more than 30 EMS quality measures, ten of which were approved as national NEMSQA measures in 2023. These measures have been widely implemented across the country through ePCR vendor software, national collaboratives, and physician-led quality and safety programs. Despite this progress, challenges remain in data quality and measure implementation at local, state, and national levels. This project represents the first formal evaluation and strategic response to those challenges, offering practical solutions and guidance to EMS agencies nationwide.
"High-quality data is the foundation of high-quality care," said Michael Redlener, Immediate-President of the Board of NEMSQA. "This project ensures that EMS agencies—especially those in rural communities—have the tools, training, and support they need to participate fully in national quality improvement efforts. Together with our partners in Florida, we are building a stronger, more reliable EMS system for patients everywhere." By addressing data quality gaps and providing actionable strategies, the EMS Data Quality and Utilization Improvement Project will serve as a national model for rural EMS agencies, ensuring that all communities—urban and rural alike—are fully equipped to deliver high-quality, data-driven emergency medical services.
Media Contact: National EMS Quality Alliance Sheree Murphy For more information, visit: Florida Department of Health – F.A.I.R. EMS Measurement Project https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/ems-system/fair-project/index.html
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