Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Texas EMS Association (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website texasemsassociation.org (the “Website”) or interact with our services.

By using our Website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Website.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Professional Information: EMS certification details, agency affiliation, job title, years of service
Membership Information: Membership type, renewal dates, payment information
Event Registration: Information provided when registering for conferences, training sessions, or other events
Communication Data: Information contained in messages you send to us through contact forms, email, or other communication channels

Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

Technical Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers
Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click-through rates, download activity
Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Website. These technologies help us:

Remember your preferences and settings
Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
Improve website functionality and user experience
Provide targeted content and advertising

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

Primary Uses

Membership Services: Processing membership applications, renewals, and providing member benefits
Event Management: Organizing conferences, training sessions, and educational programs
Communication: Sending newsletters, announcements, and important updates about EMS-related matters
Professional Development: Providing continuing education opportunities and certification tracking
Advocacy: Supporting EMS professionals and advancing the emergency medical services field in Texas

Administrative Uses

Website maintenance and improvement
Customer service and support
Legal compliance and regulatory requirements
Fraud prevention and security monitoring
Research and analytics to improve our services

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

Website hosting and maintenance
Payment processing
Email marketing and communication
Event management and registration
Data analytics and research

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Professional Networks

With your consent, we may share your professional information with:

Other EMS associations and organizations
Training providers and educational institutions
Relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies
Employers or potential employers (only upon your explicit request)

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to:

Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders, etc.)
Government investigations
Threats to public safety or security
Protection of our rights, property, or safety

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

Secure data transmission using SSL/TLS encryption
Regular security assessments and updates
Access controls and authentication procedures
Employee training on data protection practices
Secure data storage and backup systems

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

Request access to your personal information
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Update your contact preferences and communication settings

Data Portability

Request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format

Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and operational requirements
Note: Some information may be retained for legitimate business purposes or legal compliance

Communication Preferences

Opt out of marketing communications at any time
Choose the types of communications you wish to receive
Update your contact preferences through your member account or by contacting us

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children’s Privacy

Our Website and services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

Right to know what personal information is collected and how it’s used
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or operational needs. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our Website
Sending email notifications to members
Updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of our Website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.