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Posts Tagged ‘fire based ems’

The pros to private-based EMS

June 7th, 2010

Sean

After my last post in regards to “fire-based EMS“, I got a few e-mails starting with “what the hell dude?” So I decided to make a post defending my real position on private-based EMS. As most of you know, I work in and favor a private-based single-medic EMS system. My last post was written to make a point that other systems do have their benefits. So here is my rundown on why I prefer a private-based EMS system.

Cost

Private-based EMS is the most cost-effective solution for any municipality. Ambulance companies operate at no cost to the tax-payers unless they actually use the service. In times of financial hardship, it just makes sense.

Contracts

Exclusive operating contracts comes with requirements that must be met in order to continue providing service. These include response time compliance, complaint resolution, QA programs, community service programs and in some cases, minimum staffing. There is a good argument that there is actually more oversight for private companies than public services.

Single Medic

Private ambulances typically run 1 medic per ambulance. This means that each medic does more skills, has more responsibility and runs more calls on their own. For skills like intubation, paramedics need to be performing it as frequently as they can. I do realize that single-medic systems are not unique to private-based EMS, but it is more common amongst those types of systems.

Single Function

One of the biggest reasons that I prefer a private-based ambulance service, is that paramedics employed by these companies are only working as medics. Their roles are not split up by other jobs like firefighting or law enforcement. On top of that, I don’t think that being a firefighter should be a prerequisite to being a paramedic in a 911 system.

I have a few articles out there arguing for private-based EMS systems. If you are interested, check them out.

privates-to-the-rescue

two-paramedics-are-not-always-better-than-one

Private EMS – The Stepchildren of public safety

Posted in Opinion

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The pros to fire-based EMS

June 2nd, 2010

Sean

For those you that have been reading my blog for any amount of time, this title probably comes as a shock to you. As you know, I make it no secret that I prefer a private-based EMS system. Perhaps it’s my conservative, pro private-business background that has molded my opinion on the matter. Regardless, I have yet to publicly acknowledge that other types of systems can be beneficial. Well today the pigs are a go for take-off, because I am going to take some time to talk about the benefits of fire-based EMS.

So here it goes, my list of the “pros” to fire-based EMS.

Training

For the most part, fire crews are running less and less fire calls and more medical calls. This being the case, they typically do a lot of training for medical-related emergencies and drill often to try and keep their knowledge and skills up. This is something that many private providers have lacked for a while.

Funding

Fire departments have done a wonderful job of securing funds at the state, local and federal level for a long time. This allows for high-quality equipment, better salaries and more resources. In areas where the fire service also provides ambulance transport, they are able to bill for their services as well to increase revenue.

Selection

With high pay, good benefits and an unbeatable retirement package, fire departments have qualified applicants lining up for miles for a job opportunity. This of course allows the department to be more selective when they hire personnel.

Health and Fitness

Firefighting can be a very physically demanding line of work. So naturally, fire personnel must work hard to stay healthy and physically fit. Regular exercise is something commonly seen amongst the profession. This leads to better concentration and less chance of injury.

Non-profit

In order to write this section, I must take some time to lock my stubbornness in the other room so it doesn’t interfere….so hang in there a minute.

…..ok still there? Good, here it goes.

I will admit that there is benefit to making decisions concerning equipment purchases, in-field practices and system management when making a return on your investment isn’t a priority. This is why you will commonly see fire services take on new procedures and protocols with open arms. They don’t typically have to worry about reimbursement.

So there you have it. My list of pros to fire-based EMS.

Posted in Opinion, Politics

Tags: fire based ems, fire vs private ems, firefighter paramedic

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Don’t get your hoses in a knot

February 1st, 2010

Sean

Lately I have participated in many discussions regarding fire-based EMS. As we all know, there are very good arguments to both sides as to whether EMS should be run exclusively by the fire department. So rather than argue about whether or not it should be done, I am going to express my opinion on how fire-based EMS should be run.

Having worked in a single-medic service for my entire career, I tend to favor that type of system. I truly believe that 1-2 paramedics for each call is really all you need. Any more than that and you are just wasting resources. At minimum 1 paramedic on the ambulance would be sufficient. Depending on ambulance availability I suppose having a medic on the engine would be beneficial too. You can refer to my article “Two paramedics are not always better than one” for more on that subject.

I believe that the paramedics assigned to ambulance duty should play a single-function roll. It is very difficult to keep up your skills as a paramedic if your job responsibilities are split between patient care and firefighting. I also say this because I don’t believe that paramedics should have to become firefighters in order to practice in a 911 system.

One big problem with having multiple paramedics on scene is establishing who is in charge. It needs to be made very clear in writing who runs the show. I feel that this responsibility should be given to the transporting paramedic. If they are going to care for this patient all the way to the hospital and have to answer to the doctors and nursing staff, then they should have the final say in how the patient will be cared for.

Being the conservative that I am, I don’t really believe in “special taxes”. Having said that, I do believe that if a community wants to vote to impose such taxes to provide fire-based EMS services, then more power to them. If a special tax is imposed to provide the service, then the department should not be billing the patients. Departments that tax and bill their patients are just asking to be shut down and replaced by a private ambulance service who collects no tax dollars.

I truly do believe that efficient and effective service can be provide by fire-based, third service or private-based EMS, it’s just a matter of doing it right.

Posted in Opinion

Tags: dual paramedics, ems systems, fire based ems, fire based ems systems, fire medics, firefighter paramedics, private based ems, single function paramedic

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