The 2008 NEMSIS Public-Release Research Dataset is now available.  This dataset includes 3,173,361 EMS records submitted by 16 states.  Events submitted by states do not necessarily represent all EMS events occurring within a state.  In addition, states may vary in criteria used to determine the types of EMS events submitted to the NEMSIS dataset.  To evaluate variation in inclusion criteria and the proportion of EMS events submitted by each state, visit http://www.nemsis.org/support/stateProgressReports/index.html and click on each state of interest. To determine which states contributed to the dataset and when submission began for each state, click on this link. A User Manual associated with the NEMSIS Public-Release Research Dataset is available at this link.

The 2008 NEMSIS Public-Release Research Dataset does not contain information that identifies patients, EMS agencies, or reporting states.  Limited identifying information is available in the complete NEMSIS dataset, but may only be accessed with formal institutional review and approval by the NEMSIS TAC Advisory Board.  In essence, identifying information may only be released in compliance with HIPAA requirements.  To make a request for data including additional NEMSIS variables, contact N. Clay Mann (clay.mann@hsc.utah.edu).

Much care was taken to ensure that the data are as clean as possible.  All data submitted by states must comply with the XML standard and are exposed to several hundred error rules.  However, for the most part, the NEMSIS TAC does not correct identified errors.  The NEMSIS TAC does not have the resources to require states or agencies to correct errors retrospectively, but errors are reported to states, with hopes of future data refinement.  Thus, the information contained in this dataset are provided as reported by states.

To obtain a CD containing the 2008 NEMSIS Public-Release Research Dataset complete a request form and e-mail it (with electronic signature), or post mail the request form (with written signature) to:

N. Clay Mann, PhD, MS
University of Utah School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics

295 Chipeta Way, P.O. Box 581289
Salt Lake City, Utah 84158-1220
clay.mann@hsc.utah.edu