Maine Emergency Medical Services Executive Named to National Advisory Council

LifeFlight of Maine’s Executive Director, Thomas Judge, has been appointed to the newly-established National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council. The Council will provide advice and recommendations on national EMS issues to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“I am honored to have been chosen to join this new Federal effort. Delivering a high quality EMS system is a promise that we hold out every time someone calls 911. It is essential that our Federal partners and policy makers understand the challenges we face on a daily basis,” said Judge.

The National EMS Advisory Council, appointed by Mary Peters, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, is made up of 25 members, representing perspectives from every component of the EMS community. This broad-based membership helps assure that the Council has sufficient expertise, as well as the geographic and demographic diversity to accurately reflect the EMS community as a whole. Judge was nominated by the Association of Air Medical Services, the National Association of EMS Physicians, the Air Medical Physicians Association, and the American College of Emergency Physicians to fill the air medical seat on the Advisory Council.

“Although I was chosen to fill the air medical seat on the Council, I will assuredly bring the interests and views of Maine’s rural volunteer and municipal EMS providers to the table at every opportunity,” explained Judge.

The purpose of the National EMS Advisory Council is to provide information and advice on matters relating to all aspects of the development and implementation of EMS. The Council also acts as a forum for the consideration and communication of information from a knowledgeable, independent perspective.

The EMS issues considered by the Advisory Council may include: national EMS needs assessment and strategic planning; development of standards, guidelines, benchmarks and data collection relating to EMS; development of methods for improving community-based EMS; strengthening EMS systems through enhanced workforce development, education, training, exercises, equipment and medical oversight; and improved coordination and support of EMS activities among Federal programs. Judge will serve a two-year term and be eligible for reappointment.