The Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services (BEMTS) works to protect the health of Iowans in need of emergency medical services and trauma care in Iowa. The bureau works with Iowa’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, service programs, and training programs and trauma care facilities.
Iowa HHS is the lead agency responsible for the implementation of Iowa code as it relates to the Emergency Medical Services profession. The BEMTS EMS program is responsible for the regulation of EMS providers, service programs, and training programs in Iowa. The Bureau’s staff emphasize high quality technical assistance and system development to optimize the emergency care delivered in Iowa. The EMS advisory council (EMSAC) helps guide the priorities of the BEMTS EMS program.
Applicants for licensure are required to complete a licensure background check after registering in the AMANDA Licensing Portal. The Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services requires Fieldprint for all licensure background checks. This innovative approach streamlines the background check process for EMS personnel by leveraging Fieldprint's advanced technology. Applicants will be able to utilize Fieldprint's website to create an account and schedule a time for fingerprinting at one of Fieldprint's locations across the state and nationally. The applicant will pay for the background check when they schedule their appointment with Fieldprint. Applications will not be processed until the background check process is completed.
- Fieldprint Iowa website
- Fieldprint Iowa Scheduling Aid Document
- Fieldprint websit for out-of-state applicants
Trauma Services
Iowa HHS is the lead agency responsible for the implementation of Iowa code as it relates to the trauma system of care in Iowa. The trauma program works alongside Iowa’s trauma care facilities to protect and improve the health of all traumatically injured patients in Iowa. The Iowa State Trauma Program utilizes trauma registry data, injury prevention and outreach, hospital verification, and performance improvement resources to assist Iowa’s hospitals with optimizing the care of traumatically injured patients to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality from traumatic injury. The Trauma System Advisory Council (TSAC) helps guide the priorities of the BEMTS trauma program.
Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services works with EMS and hospital leaders statewide to ensure that all children – no matter where they live, attend school, or travel – receive the best care possible in an emergency situation. Should an emergency or disaster occur, EMSC's goal is to ensure that emergency personnel are properly trained in pediatrics; that ambulances and emergency departments have the equipment, supplies, and medications needed to treat children of all sizes; and that well-defined pediatric treatment protocols and procedures are in place.
First Responder Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Program (FR-CARP)
Iowa’s First Responder’s Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Project (FR-CARP) began implementation in 2019, through receipt of a federally funded grant issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). Naloxone training is provided to EMS service programs and is available statewide, upon request. Iowa HHS provides free naloxone products to EMS service programs that have completed the training. Medication received through the program is continually replenished after use or product expiration through the grant term. If an EMS service program is interested in completing FR-CARP training or for any further questions regarding the program, please reach out the FR-CARP Program Director.