Updated January 02, 2025
6 min 57 sec estimated read time2024 has been a transformative year for ESO, marked by groundbreaking product advancements, achievements by the incredible customers we serve, and impactful data and research initiatives. Our mission to improve health and safety through the power of data has guided everything we do to support first responders and healthcare providers.
Earlier in the year, we released the 2024 ESO EMS, Fire Service, and Hospital Trend Reports, which forecasted the trends ESO experts believed would shape each industry. The 2024 ESO Trends Reports explored topics such as the growing demands on first responders and healthcare workers, improving first responder safety, and addressing gaps in care delivery. These priorities shaped many of the insights and research released throughout the year.
While much was accomplished in 2024, here are some of the highlights, white papers, and research that defined our journey:
Pioneering Research for Emergency Services
Aggregate data is an incredibly powerful tool for transforming first responders’ ability to serve their communities. With contributions from over 2,700 EMS agencies, fire departments, and hospitals across the U.S., the ESO Data Collaborative provides one of the largest datasets for public safety and healthcare research, including studies on topics like airway management, cardiac care, and firefighter safety.
These findings help agencies improve health outcomes and make informed decisions about responder safety. ESO’s research also produces practical resources, such as white papers and guides, that agencies can use to implement these insights in the field.
Using the Power of Data to Drive Change
Released on April 2, 2024
The ESO Data Collaborative fuels research and helps agencies measure and improve operational performance. With aggregate insights from this extensive dataset, the annual ESO EMS, Fire Service, and Trauma Indices provide a detailed view of performance metrics compared to organizations across the U.S. These indices also share best practices to help agencies identify and address areas for improvement.
Read the 2024 ESO Fire Service Index
Post-Resuscitation Epinephrine Vs. Norepinephrine in Cardiac Arrest
Released in May 2024
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are both commonly used as prehospital vasopressors in the United States. However, previous research has suggested that epinephrine post-ROSC may be associated with increased chances of rearrest and mortality in comparison to norepinephrine.
Using target trial emulation methodology made possible by ESO data, this study aimed to review both methodologies to see if epinephrine did in fact increase changes of negative outcomes in order to help guide industry decision making. To better inform your own post-resuscitation practices, check out the full study below.
The Threat That Burns On: Protecting Firefighters from Carcinogenic Exposure
Released on June 28, 2024
Firefighters face significant risks from exposure to harmful carcinogens during and after responses. This year, we released “The Threat That Burns On: Carcinogenic Exposure and The Importance of Decontamination Procedures for Firefighters,” a white paper that outlines practical steps to reduce contamination on gear and equipment.
ACCESS THE WHITE PAPER
Longitudinal Changes in Emergency Medical Services Advanced Airway Management
Released on August 22, 2024
Playing a crucial role in resuscitating patients from life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac arrest, trauma and respiratory failure, airway management is an incredibly important intervention, yet its practice can shift greatly from agency to agency.
This study used ESO data and aimed to examine longitudinal trends in endotracheal intubation (ETI) and supraglottic airway (SGA) utilization nationally in order to better understand and improve airway management overall.
When Do Minutes Matter? Prioritizing 911 Calls When Demand Exceeds Availability
Released on October 17, 2024
Responding to 911 calls is one of the most critical aspects of emergency care – but how do agencies decide which calls need immediate attention? This year, we released “When Do Minutes Matter? Prioritizing 911 Calls When Demand Exceeds Availability,” a white paper exploring a recent study in collaboration with eight EMS Systems and their dispatch centers examining 911 prioritization systems that shows only 10% of 911 calls require a lights-and-sirens response.
The report provides practical strategies for identifying high-priority calls and aligning resources to improve response times without compromising patient care.
ACCESS THE WHITE PAPER
The Effectiveness of Numerical Cincinnati Stroke Scale as a Stroke Severity Screening Tool
Released on November 19, 2024
The numerical Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) was developed to broadly screen for strokes and is one of the simpler scales available to do so. Previous research has shown that CPSS performs similarly to other screening tools designed to detect stroke severity.
This study used ESO research to add to the body of work surrounding those findings. It found that this simpler, numerical scale had comparable results to more complex screening tools including C-STAT, FAST-ED, and BE-FAST and could be a good alternative option for maintaining accuracy.
Another Successful Wave 2024 Filled with Data-Driven Insights
Once a year, the brightest minds in first response reunite for four days of networking, collaboration, and thought-provoking sessions. Held in Austin, Texas, from April 2–5, Wave 2024 brought together 1,275 attendees, 74 sessions, and countless opportunities to explore how data can empower teams and improve outcomes.
This year’s conference highlighted topics such as responder safety, operational efficiency, and improving patient outcomes. Attendees left with actionable insights and strategies to bring back to their organizations.
Missed Wave 2024 or want to revisit the highlights? Check out our recap blogs for the top insights from the conference:
Get the top fire and EMS insights from Wave 2024
Get the top hospital insights from Wave 2024
Want to know what makes Wave a must-attend event? Watch the video to hear directly from attendees.
Want to join fellow data enthusiasts from across the country and bring home actionable insights for improving your organization’s process? It’s time to grab your ticket for Wave 2025 happening in Austin, Texas from April 22-25, 2025.
Register for Wave 2025
Looking Ahead
As we close out 2024, we’re turning our attention to what lies ahead. The coming year will bring exciting new research projects, innovative tools, and continued collaboration with our customers to tackle emerging challenges in the public health and safety industries.
