In response to a staggering 32% increase in traffic- related deaths over the past 5 years across minnesota, the northeast advancement of rural and remote emergency medical services (nearr-EMS) program…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded $5 million to Arrowhead Emergency Medical Services Association on March 24, 2026, under the NHTSA Discretionary Safety Grants and Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 20.614) to implement the Northeast Advancement of Rural and Remote Emergency Medical Services (NEARR-EMS) program through March 23, 2031.

NEARR-EMS delivers real-time tele-emergency medical services capabilities connecting area emergency responders in rural and remote Minnesota to board-certified emergency personnel, targeting reduction of traffic-related roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Minnesota has experienced a 32 percent increase in traffic-related deaths over the past five years; the program addresses this trend through enhanced quality and speed of emergency medical response in demonstration project settings.

Arrowhead Emergency Medical Services Association, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, performs the work at Duluth Heights, Duluth, Minnesota. The project grant carries a five-year performance period ending March 23, 2031, with $5 million obligated at award.

In response to a staggering 32% increase in traffic- related deaths over the past 5 years across minnesota, the northeast advancement of rural and remote emergency medical services (nearr-EMS) program proposes to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries using real-time tele- EMS to connect area responders to board-certified emergency personnel.