50 Years

Honoring 50 Years of EMS Collaboration

Since 1975, Arizona Emergency Medical Systems, Inc. (AEMS) has led collaborative efforts to elevate the quality and coordination of emergency medical care across Central Arizona. What began as a partnership among hospitals, EMS agencies, and public health leaders has grown into a vital regional hub dedicated to enhancing prehospital and trauma care through innovation, advocacy, and shared expertise.

Share Your AEMS Story

Were you part of our journey over the past 50 years? We want to hear from you! Submit a favorite memory, photo, or testimonial and help us preserve the history of AEMS.

Thank you to our Anniversary Celebration Sponsors

50 Years of EMS Service, Innovation, and Collaboration

For half a century, AEMS has supported and strengthened the emergency medical system across Central Arizona through coordinated, inclusive, and forward-thinking efforts:

• Accessible, High-Quality EMS Education
  AEMS hosts impactful events like the EMS Odyssey Conference (approaching its 26th year in 2026) and the EMS CE Fall Forum (now in its 6th year), delivering affordable continuing education to hundreds of EMS professionals annually.
• Clinical Protocol Development
  AEMS publishes the Red Book, a trusted set of regional pre-hospital guidelines that enhance patient safety and support medical direction decision-making.
• Collaborative Forums
  Through our Board of Governors, Functional Groups, and committees, AEMS provides space for multidisciplinary dialogue around EMS, trauma, and public health priorities.
• Hospital Categorization
  We manage the Central Arizona hospital categorization process, enabling EMS professionals to make informed destination decisions based on patient need and facility capabilities.
• Regional EMS Coordination
  AEMS connects EMS providers, fire departments, hospitals, and public health agencies through consistent communication, system navigation support, and advocacy.
• Advocacy and Innovation
  We work to uphold high standards of EMS and trauma care while advancing new ideas—even amid state funding limitations.
• Special Initiatives
  From maternal care training through the Obstetric Life Support (OBLS) project to pediatric readiness efforts, AEMS responds to emerging needs in the communities we serve.
• Equitable Resource Distribution
  We administer special EMS funding programs, ensuring that limited resources reach the agencies and communities with the greatest needs.