What Is Minimum Essential Information?
Minimum Essential Information (MEI) is NERIS’s designation for the data elements required in every incident record for each module type. An incident record without all MEI fields populated cannot be successfully submitted to NERIS. MEI is module-specific — the required fields for a structure fire record differ from those required for an EMS or HazMat incident.
MEI represents the floor, not the ceiling. Departments are encouraged to submit all available data — MEI defines the minimum needed for a valid submission.
MEI Examples by Module
Fire Module MEI
- Incident type
- Property use
- Area of origin
- Fire spread
- Actions taken
- Detector performance
EMS Module MEI
- Patient disposition
- Response type
- Procedures performed
- Aid given or received
- Unit type
HazMat Module MEI
- Material involved
- Container type
- Release type
- Actions taken
- Evacuation scope
Other Module MEI
- Incident category
- Service type
- Outcome
- Resources used
Field lists above are representative. Official MEI requirements are published by USFA. Station Draft is not affiliated with USFA.
How Station Draft Uses MEI
Station Draft treats MEI as its primary checklist when generating a draft. Required fields that the narrative supports are populated and flagged High. Fields the narrative partially supports are populated and flagged Review. MEI fields with no supporting information in the narrative are flagged Missing and surfaced to the officer immediately.