Twenty-four hours is an unacceptable time frame to go without any documentation by EMS providers.  Poor communication is often cited as a contributing factor to medical errors, leading JCAHO to include patient handoff communication as a national patient safety goal.  Although EMS providers provide a brief verbal report, the written document frequently provides additional details that are important in the development of the plan of care for the individual patient.  The EMS report is a vital part of the medical record and should be regarded as such, by changing the regulations to require EMS agencies provide written documentation before they leave the facility.