Which federal agency has jurisdiction over interstate and international telephone and telegraph services that may involve EMS activity?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. This includes aspects related to telephone and telegraph services, which can be crucial for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) when coordinating communications between agencies, managing calls for assistance, and ensuring reliable communication systems operate effectively during emergencies.

The relevance of the FCC’s jurisdiction spans various areas of EMS activities, such as establishing communication protocols, overseeing telecommunications during emergencies, and ensuring that emergency communication systems meet national standards for reliability and accessibility. As such, any regulatory concerns or necessary communications technology involving EMS that cross state or national lines falls under the purview of the FCC.

Other agencies listed have very different focuses: the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) deals primarily with consumer protection and market competition, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates transportation accidents, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on workplace safety standards. None of these agencies manage telecommunications services in relation to EMS, which underscores why the FCC is the correct choice.