Which of the following is NOT a fundamental attribute of a functioning Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System?

Human resources are indeed a critical component of a functioning Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, as they refer to the personnel such as EMTs, paramedics, and other professionals necessary for delivering emergency care. The key aspect of this question revolves around the other attributes essential to an EMS system.

Public education plays a vital role in preparing the community to understand how to respond in emergencies, recognize when to call for help, and understand the resources available to them. Standardized curricula are crucial to ensure that all EMS personnel receive the same level of training and knowledge, which contributes to the consistency and quality of care provided by responders. Prevention, too, is fundamental as it involves efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of emergencies through safety programs and community initiatives.

Thus, while human resources are undeniably important, public education, standardized curricula, and prevention initiatives represent the broader structural and proactive elements of an EMS system. Therefore, the omission of human resources as a non-fundamental attribute is correct in context because the enhanced focus is on the comprehensive system that involves training, education, and prevention strategies.