Who We Are – EMS

The Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency serves as the lead agency for the emergency medical services system in the County and is responsible for coordinating all system participants in its jurisdiction, encompassing both public and private sectors. In California, counties have been given the primary responsibility for assuring that EMS systems are developed and implemented and for designating a local EMS agency. 

The EMS Agency is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the local EMS system. This includes establishing policies, addressing the financial aspects of system operation, and making provisions for collection, analysis, and dissemination of EMS related data. In addition, the EMS Agency is responsible for establishing operational policies and procedures; designating EMS base hospitals and specialty care centers, such as trauma centers; developing guidelines, standards and protocols for patient treatment and transfer; implementing a prehospital ALS program; certifying and accrediting prehospital medical care personnel; and approving EMS personnel training programs.

Los Angeles County has one of the largest EMS systems in the nation and, as one of the first to be developed, is known nationally and worldwide as a leader in the field of prehospital care. The system utilizes over 18,000 certified EMS personnel employed by fire departments, law enforcement, ambulance companies, hospitals and private organizations to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.