Public Information, Education, and Relations

Volume 2, Number 5 - August/September 1999

Public information, education, and relations are all essential to Safe Communities coalitions. Programs need to get safety messages out to the public and work with local media to publicize their activities. However, many Safe Communities coalition members have limited experience with public relations. Thanks to NHTSA's PIER (Public Information, Education, and Relations) program, EMS agencies across the nation are developing expertise in these areas-expertise that can be of immense benefit to Safe Communities efforts.

PIER teaches EMS personnel to do the following:

  • Communicate with the media and the public at the scene of an emergency and respond to questions about emergencies after the event
  • Educate the public about injury prevention and the EMS system
  • Help the public and decision makers understand the resources needed for an effective EMS system
NHTSA has developed workshops and publications that assist EMS agencies (and their Safe Communities partners) in creating their own PIER programs. Other workshops train state agency personnel to furnish PIER technical assistance to local service providers. The EMS PIER Manual describes how to create and fund a PIER program, work with the media, educate the public, and build coalitions. A revised manual, available next year, will discuss working with Safe Communities coalitions. Other resources include The PIER Network, a quarterly newsletter, and the SAFE (Safety Advice From EMS) Manual, which contains detailed guidance on educating the public about injury prevention.

PIER is an important tool for community outreach. In South Carolina, the EMS Advisory Council PIER Committee organized a convoy of EMS vehicles from the "Mountains to the Sea." Press conferences held along the route allowed EMS personnel and motor vehicle crash survivors to talk about the importance of using seat belts. The PIER Committee also created a television public service announcement on drowning prevention that reached more than a million people and is involved in public education about heat-related medical problems. George Rice, manager of information and education for Richland County Emergency Services, says, "The more people know how to take care of themselves, the less they need to call us for service."

For information on PIER, contact Debra Kilpatrick. Telephone: (202) 366-5440: fax: (202) 366-7721; e-mail: Debra.Kilpatrick@nhtsa.dot.gov.

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IN THIS ISSUE

EMS and Law Enforcement

Ending the "Senior Curse"

International Safe Communities Transportation Safety Partnership

Enhancing School Bus Safety

Beyond the Ticket: Traffic Safety and Law Enforcement

Public Information, Education, and Relations

Resources