- The Arrowhead EMS Association has been awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program.

- The funding will support the NorthEast Advancement of Rural and Remote Emergency Medical Services (NEARR-EMS) program, an initiative to improve and expedite post-crash care in rural communities and tribal areas of Northeast Minnesota.

Telemedicine to Enhance Rural EMS

The NEARR-EMS program will equip 20 ambulances across 15 agencies with Avel eCare's EMS telemedicine services. This technology allows EMTs and paramedics to connect virtually with board-certified physicians, experienced paramedics, and nurses for real-time support in the field or during transport.

Improving Patient Outcomes

By providing immediate access to expert medical guidance, the program aims to:

Evaluating Program Effectiveness

The University of Minnesota's Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care (TCRTC) will evaluate the efficacy of the NEARR-EMS program over its five-year duration. This research will focus on the program's impact on patient care and outcomes.

The SS4A program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will award a total of $5 billion over five years to fund projects aimed at improving roadway safety across the United States. The NEARR-EMS program is one example of how this funding is being used to address critical healthcare needs in rural communities.