Emergency Medical Services: "A Challenged System" became the phoenix from the ashes of Connecticut EMS: "A System of Challenge and Change" a conference presented by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in concert with the CHREF (an educational research group).  When the decision was made to discontinue this endeavor, many EMS personnel made it know they wanted it to continue.  

Several individuals came together to redefine the presentation of an educational conference.  This presented the need for a temporary residence for the Steering Group to test the water of change.  Hence the Emergency Medical Services: EDUCATIONAL/Seminar (EMS: Ed/Sem) became an arm of the Connecticut EMTs Educational, Inc.  Thus from the ashes came the Annual Emergency Medical Services: "A Challenged System" an Educational Seminar.  From those new beginnings in 1996, this educational conference has striven to provide opportunities for the exchange and development of ideas, ideals, and concepts fo the continuing emerging endeavor of emergency medical services.  

One of its primary objectives was to establish a forum to provide networking opportunities for out-of-hospital personnel.  The networking will foster the improvement of prehospital patient care, interdisciplinary cooperation and personal growth as well as enhancing the development of "Partnerships focused on the delivery of patient care!"  These partnerships have been further strengthened by the introduction of special events as part of this annual educational celebration that embodies the integrity and trust that is inherent in the spirit of EMS.  

This group is now incorporated as a non-profit, non-stock corporation, know as Emergency Medical Services: Educational/Seminar Foundation, Inc. (EMS: Ed/Sem) has at its major mission the promotion of coordinated and unified Emergency Medical Services System.  

The present level of sophistication has only occurred by a dedicated force of caring persons providing a unique teamwork process, entrusted with a common belief in the necessity of our mission.  

Emergency Medical Services has inherently contained challenges.  The uniqueness of the calling touches persons from all walks of life and has allowed this usually selfless function to be tirelessly performed.  The versatility of individuals in both experiences and education is the healthy backbone of the very fiber of this exciting truly dynamic and challenging field.  The painful development of a comprehensive emergency medical delivery system has left no doubts as to the claims by its beneficiaries.