The proposed EMS of the future will be community-based health management that is integrated with the overall health care system. It will have the ability to identify and modify illness and injury risks, provide acute illness and injury follow-up, and contribute to the treatment of chronic conditions and community health monitoring. EMS will be integrated with other health care providers and public health and public safety agencies. EMS will remain the public's emergency medical safety net. This guide proposes objectives that will lead to achieving the goals established by the EMS agenda for the future. The objectives correspond to the three broad areas in which efforts must be continued: building bridges, creating tools and resources, and developing infrastructure. Bridges will strengthen partnerships and result in new and enhanced relationships among the many agencies, organizations, and individuals with a stake in the future of EMS. New tools and resources will enable progress and facilitate activities on widespread bases. Improved infrastructure will add to the capacity of EMS to affect community health. Ten "priority objectives" (short, intermediate, and long-term) are proposed for the initial efforts for all potential participants in EMS endeavors. This guide is intended to be a tool for EMS providers, administrators, and medical directors; health care providers, administrators, and payers; public health and safety officials (local, State, and Federal); organization and community leaders; and all other entities and individuals with a potential interest or influence on the structure or function of the Nation's system for providing emergency medical care. Appended summary of recommendations, implementation guide development, and a glossary