Updated February 04, 2026
6 min 10 sec estimated read timeBuilding the world’s most connected emergency ecosystem has enabled ESO to create tools that empower first responders to work more effectively within their organizations and with their partners. It also positions ESO as a leader with one of the largest datasets for public safety and prehospital healthcare research.
Made possible by de-identified contributions from the thousands of EMS agencies, fire departments, and hospitals that make up our community, the ESO Data Collaborative provides critical insights that are transforming how we care for and protect our communities.
In addition to groundbreaking product advancements and remarkable customer achievements that made 2025 such an exceptional year, insights from the Data Collaborative powered 35 abstracts and 27 manuscripts. To date, more than 200 abstracts and 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published using data from the Collaborative. At EMS World alone, nearly 30% of the research (21 abstracts) came from the Collaborative in 2025. Two received special recognition:
– A Description of Characteristics and Outcomes for Injured Patients Receiving Prehospital Whole Blood Using a Statewide Linked EMS and Trauma Registry Dataset (Top 2 trauma abstracts)
– Prehospital Paralytic Only Intubation: A Descriptive Analysis (Best oral abstract presentation)
Below you’ll find highlights, white papers, and research made possible by the ESO community’s contributions. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to what 2026 will bring.
Grounded in our mission to improve health and safety outcomes through the power of data, we remain dedicated to transforming how EMS, fire departments, and hospitals make communities healthier and safer.
Here is a look back at some of the top research of 2025:
Are We Going Back? What National Research Shows About 72-Hour Return Calls
Non-transports can be one of the toughest decisions to make while delivering pre-hospital care, leaving clinicians often wondering if they did the right thing. This year, our team was honored with the Best Scientific Presentation award for “A National Description of 72-Hour Return EMS Encounters and Outcomes Following Non-Transport,” a study that dove into the outcomes of non-transports to help improve decision-making around making the right call.
Whole Blood Versus Blood Components in Prehospital Care
Hemorrhaging is the leading cause of death within the first hour of trauma care and one of the most common preventable causes of death in trauma. Whole blood administration is becoming an increasingly common intervention for hemorrhaging, but there is still limited research available on the practice.
Using data from the ESO Data Collaborative, this study examined clinical outcomes for patients experiencing traumatic and non-traumatic hemorrhaging who received prehospital blood transfusions with whole blood versus blood components and compared clinical outcomes between the two.
Prehospital 12-Lead ECG Use for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Varies by Community Social Vulnerability
Even though prehospital 12-Lead electrocardiograms (ECG) is an evidence-based practice for improving outcomes for suspected acute coronary syndrome, there are disparities surrounding which patient populations receive this potentially lifesaving form of cardiovascular care.
Through a retrospective analysis of the 2021 Data Collaborative, researchers set out to further examine the association of community level social drivers of health and variability in the documentation of these prehospital ECGs.
Tree canopy cover and injurious pedestrian falls: a location-based case-control study
Although street trees can be a tripping hazard, canopy cover might actually lower fall risks during the summer months by lowering ambient temperatures and the associated heat-related distress. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between canopy cover and injurious pedestrian falls, hypothesizing that the added coverage might actually help play a protective role in pedestrian safety.
“On the Wall”: A Descriptive Analysis of Ambulance Patient Offload Times in the United States
Prolonged Ambulance Patient Offload Times (APOT) can potentially lead to poorer outcomes for the patient at hand, while also tying up ambulance availability and putting subsequent patients at risk. Through a retrospective analysis of the 2024 ESO Research Collaborative dataset, this study calculated and described various APOT definitions among 9-1-1 response transports and compared agency characteristics.
Our Collective Data in Action
The annual ESO EMS, Fire Service, and Trauma Indices pull from the aggregate insights of the ESO Data Collective to create metrics that allow your organization to better understand your performance in important areas compared to others across the U.S. Additionally, they offer data-proven best practices for improvement that you can share with stakeholders across your team. Check out the 2025 ESO Indices below.
Read the 2025 ESO Fire Service Index
Wave 2025 featuring ESO Training Academy
For four days a year, thought leaders, data enthusiasts, and fire, hospital, and government professionals come together in Austin, Texas to share the latest and greatest data-driven insights and technologies for improving outcomes within their communities. Wave 2025 featured a ton of incredible eye-opening insights
If you didn’t get a chance to attend or want to revisit some of the top learnings, check out our recap blogs below:
What makes Wave a must-attend event? Find out from past attendees:
Rub shoulders with fellow data enthusiasts and thought leaders from throughout the entire emergency response ecosystem and bring home actionable insights for improving outcomes within your own community.
Save your spot for Wave 2026 happening in Austin, Texas from April 7-10, 2026.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 begins, we’re looking forward to a fresh start filled with exciting research projects, innovative tools, and continued collaboration with the ESO community.
To explore the product innovations and customer achievements that defined 2025, check out the blog posts below:
[2025’s Top EMS Product Innovations] [2025’s Top Customer Achievements]
[2025’s Top Hospital Product Innovations]