This funding opportunity is to fund a demonstration project addressing the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) implementation gaps and rural medical communications. Emergency responders are not always trained for the types of incidents they encounter but can share valuable information and provide situational awareness during response and recovery efforts. Specifically, medical providers require communications systems and procedures to transmit patient information and coordinate an influx of patients following large-scale disasters or ongoing crises. As the whole community increases its engagement during emergencies and as technology advances, the need for medical communications and trained personnel increases to ensure coordinated and effective response.
In addition to evolving technology and responders, the NECP recommends improved planning and coordination across the Emergency Communications Ecosystem and across geographies, especially in rural areas. CISA recognizes the impact of geography on medical response and interoperable communications. Rural communities are often underserved regions with several health disparities, such as high mortality rates and cardiovascular diseases. Due to the dire health needs of rural communities, coordinated emergency response is often provided by a variety of medical providers and non-medical emergency responders.
To implement the NECP, CISA must continue to explore ways to improve communications among emergency responders and medical personnel, especially in rural communities. Thus, CISA is reestablishing the Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP).
The entity applying for REMCDP must operate or have access to an existing statewide or regional emergency communications system that is leveraged to address rural health disparities such as mortality rates and cardiovascular diseases. The applicant must also either 1) operate a medical facility that provides rural emergency medical care or 2) partner with a medical facility or organization that provides rural emergency medical care. Applicants who do not operate a medical facility and choose to partner with a medical facility or organization that provides rural emergency medical care must provide a letter of intent from the cooperating medical facility or organization to demonstrate commitment to partner in award and project execution.Public institutions of higher education, states, U.S. territories, local governments (e.g., county, city, township), or Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally-recognized).