ASTM_F_1268_-_90_2012.pdf

Designation:F126890(Reapproved 2012)Standard Guide forEstablishing and Operating a Public Information,Education,and Relations Program for Emergency Medical ServiceSystems1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1268;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.INTRODUCTIONThe Emergency Medical Service(EMS)system exists for only one reasonto serve the public.Ifthe system is to perform its functions,the public must be aware of it and must use it to the fullestextent.Because the public is an essential part of the EMS system,every EMS system must supporta public information,education,and relations(PIER)component.However,because other elementssuch as categorization,critical care protocols,communications,and provider training require as muchtime and energy,plus the fact that most administrators lack orientation to public informationprinciples,there is a tendency to approach the public information,education,and relations componentin a less organized and scientific way.Consequently,PIER may suffer a lower priority and maybecome a random or fragmented activity.The fact is that people do not readily change their attitudes and behavior unless it is specifically andimmediately demonstrated to them that there is a need to do so.In this day of complex media messagesending,it is often difficult to get the attention of the general public in the first place.To achieve asuccessful PIER program,it should be an organized and systematic effort,including:(1)An assessment of the attitudes,awareness and knowledge about ones health and access to thehealth delivery system;(2)A determination of the knowledge needs and identifiable components of the general public;(3)A method for delivery of information that is relevant,accessible,understandable,acceptable,usable,timely,and cost-effective;(4)Ensure that,as much as possible,the information is integrated into attitudes and behaviors ofdaily living;and(5)Evaluate PIER objectives to assess whether or not behavioral changes have occurred,withbeneficial effect upon the individual and ultimately society,and adjusting future PIER activities asindicated.Education about health matters has to be interesting,enjoyable,uncomplicated,relevant,and havesome evidence of immediate concrete benefit to the individuals activities.In EMS,some of theprograms are intrinsically appealing:for example,people might readily participate in CPR training asit represents a dramatic and demonstrable learning process.However,citizens are less enthusiasticabout access information,abuse and misuse messages,or other facts which are to them,less dramaticand apparently less relevant.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on EmergencyMedical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.03 onOrganization/Management.Current edition approved July 1,2012.Published August 2012.Originallyapproved in 1990.Last previous edition approved in 2008 as F1268 90(2008).DOI:10.1520/F1268-90R12.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 1.Scope1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide national volun-tary standards and recommendations to effectively provideemergency medical service system information and educationto the public.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2F1086 Guide for Structures and Responsibilities of Emer-gency Medical Services Systems Organizations3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 demographicsthe study of the descriptive character-istics of the population.They have long been used to divide orsegment the population.3.1.2 external PIER attributesfor the public or user of theEMS system.3.1.3 internal PIER attributeswithin the EMS system forits participants and providers.3.1.4 public educationan activity that conveys knowledgeor training,or both,in specific skills.3.1.5 public informationan activity that factually teacheswhat the EMS system is and how to enter and use it.3.1.6 public information,education and relations(PIER)programthe totality of efforts in all three areas.It is ideallywell integrated,unified,focused,with planning and systematicexecution.3.1.7 public information offcera person who disseminatesappropriate and timely facts.3.1.8 public relationsan activity used to foster positivepublic attitudes and enhance trust and credibility about theEMS system and its providers.4.Significance and Use4.1 It is essential to have the publics understanding andsupport for the EMS system to ensure its proper developmentand utilization.4.2 Thisguideencompassesthoseprocedures,considerations,and resources that are necessary for a success-ful EMS public information,education,and relations program.Complex EMS systems may integrate or augme