Over the years, emergency medical services (EMS) has become an increasingly critical player in the broader healthcare continuum, providing community-based care, making data-informed decisions, and considering financial sustainability. EMS agencies don’t just respond to emergencies—they fill systemic healthcare gaps, manage complex patient navigation, and justify their value to policymakers and payers.
In navigating this evolving landscape, EMS also faces new challenges, such as workforce shortages, financial constraints, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, and demonstration of outcomes through data. EMS leaders must also meet the needs of healthcare reforms and adapt to new care models that require integration with hospitals, primary care, and public health systems.

This National EMS Week (May 18-24, 2025), Public Consulting Group (PCG) honors the impact that EMS professionals have on communities across the country. As EMS roles and responsibilities are growing and changing, EMS professionals are also rising to unprecedented challenges. From community paramedicine to preventive healthcare, they are often tasked with providing next-level patient navigation and care in new surroundings, while using new technologies. At PCG, we are committed to developing practical solutions that help EMS providers improve operational and financial performance, achieve and maintain compliance, and deliver quality services.
In reflecting upon this year’s National EMS Week theme (“We Care. For Everyone.”), we sat down with Sarah DiCicco, Associate Manager, to discuss how agencies can navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and truly care for everyone.

How can EMS providers offer next-level care in new surroundings and unprecedented circumstances?

SD: Agencies need to be supported by strong infrastructure—both operational and analytical—to remain agile. That means investing in leadership development, real-time data systems, and collaborative relationships with community partners. From a consulting perspective, we help clients align their financial models, optimize resource deployment, and adopt forward-thinking strategies to sustain and scale innovative care models like community paramedicine or alternative destination transport. Being proactive, flexible, and guided by clear data has proven critical in navigating unprecedented challenges—whether that’s a pandemic, natural disaster, or evolving reimbursement landscape.

What is the significance of leveraging new technologies in the evolving EMS landscape?

SD: Technology is central to the future of EMS. It’s the bridge between field operations, patient outcomes, and system-level accountability. When I attended the 2025 National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) meeting, technology was a hot topic—from electric ambulances and autonomous interfacility transport vehicles to the growing use of AI agents in EMS operations. These innovations show just how rapidly the field is evolving and how critical it is for agencies to stay ahead of the curve.

What new technologies have you leveraged in your work providing EMS solutions?

SD: At PCG, we’ve promoted the use of data analytics platforms that empower agencies to assess their financial health (e.g., cost per transport, revenue leakage, benchmarking), make informed rate-setting recommendations, and generate impactful reports for decision-makers. Additionally, we support providers that are seeking grant funding such as Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) that is available to municipal agencies for the planning or implementation of programs that reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Technology is a focus in all of these applications.

What does it mean to care for everyone?

SD: For us, “care for everyone” means meeting each agency, community, and patient exactly where they are—regardless of geography, demographics, or resources. We work with rural, urban, and metro systems alike, always aiming to build capacity, strengthen outcomes, and improve access. It also means ensuring the EMS workforce is supported, valued, and heard. Whether we’re guiding a department through a federal reimbursement program or helping shape a state-level funding model, our mission is rooted in advancing sustainability and quality across the EMS spectrum.

Learn more about PCG’s EMS provider solutions and our latest EMS insights.