NHTSA v2 (NEMSIS) Uniform Pre-Hospital Data Collection

The NEMSIS Dataset Export Schema permits city names to be used if the FIPS City Code (NEMSIS 'Place' Code) has not been assigned to a city name within a user's data. Some states are beginning to require the FIPS City Code number to be included in a data export submission for their data collection purposes. In FIREHOUSE Software, the FIPS City Code can be assigned to each city lookup item from the Lookup Tables area. When the FIPS City Code is assigned, it will automatically be inserted with each necessary record when a data export is performed. To find out your city's FIPS Code, the NEMSIS Technical Assistance Center provides an updated list at http://www.nemsis.org/referenceMaterials/nemsisFIPS.html.

Local or state agencies may require some NEMSIS fields which have been established as Pre-Defined (PD) user fields in FH 7. A list of the optional fields is available in the documentation section to assist departments in locating specific fields they may be required to use. Installation instructions for the PD user fields are included in the NEMSIS Implementation Checklist.

FIREHOUSE Software Administrative Options provide a NEMSIS export choice to export only data elements required for the national database. This feature was included to for departments submitting data directly to the national database, providing an additional tool for departments to follow their established HIPAA guidelines. Unfortunately, some state level NEMSIS incident requirements are removed from the NEMSIS patient export file if this feature is enabled. If your department is submitting NEMSIS patient information to a local or state agency, we recommend unchecking the option ‘NEMSIS – Export only data elements required for the national database.’ This feature is found under the Administration menu » Administrative Options » Incident Tab » EMS/Search & Rescue » State Reporting.