THE FOLLOWING IS A REPRINT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS NEWSLETTER "ON SCENE"
Broward County Revamps EMS
By Gary G. Ludwig, MS, EMT-P
After a three-year process, Broward County, Florida, has finalized a major EMS restructuring. Effective October 1, 1996, Broward County Fire Rescue, the largest ALS service provider in the area, will downsize its service area, transfer some of its ALS responsibility to adjoining areas, and begin assuming full transport responsibilities from private ambulance providers. While BCFR will retain the majority of its service area, some paramedic jobs were at risk. Therefore, the restructuring calls for the county to begin full transport services. Previously, private ambulance providers such as Lifefleet, an operation of Medtrans, had provided all transport services for BCFR.
In a twist on the public/private cooperative, the county and some municipalities have developed a "public/public cooperative." Under the new arrangement, a dedicated property tax will be assessed for operation of the system. Participating municipalities and Broward County will utilize ALS engines along with ALS transport units. As an example, in Ft. Lauderdale, half of the transport units will be city run and half will be county operated. All communication and logistical support will be provided by Broward County.
This "public/public cooperative" combined the existing resources of various municipalities and the county. Thus, the need for private ambulances was eliminated. This system change has broken the relationship that private ambulance providers maintained for over twenty years. Additionally, all participants can now provide ALS levels of care which was not possible previously. With a win/win scenario for everyone, the system efficiency will greatly improve and the average homeowner will pay less property taxes per year while receiving double the protection. For more information, contact Bruce Moeller at 305-831-8200.
Newport Beach, CA Reports New Ambulance Transport System
The Newport Beach (California) Fire & Marine has secured a victory with a City Council vote of 6-1 to assume responsibility for ambulance transport. With tactics reminiscent of "Careline," Medtrans corporate officers tried to sway the city to maintain their contract with Medtrans by mailing out four-page color brochures to citizens seeking their support. Other efforts included a strong lobbying efforts behind the scenes with City Council members. The mailer used red-herrings such as the Orange County fiscal crisis and other ruses, referring to government stealing the bread out of their mouths. Chief Timothy Riley tells me his department took the highroad and stayed out of the mudslinging, choosing instead to concentrate efforts on educating the City Council about the cost benefits and increased service levels possible with their proposal.
On the day of the City Council hearing and vote, the Medtrans organization was hardly noticeable as their strategy was to allow a few citizens to argue their points. In the end the City Council overwhelmingly supported NBF&M's proposal. Riley can be reached at 714-644-3103.
IAFF Announces EMS Director/Fire & EMS Systems
Alfred Whitehead, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, has announced the creation of a new department in the IAFF to promote fire-based EMS systems. The EMS division was created to dedicate more resources and effort to locals seeking to promote or enhance fire-based EMS systems in the United States and Canada. This new department elevates EMS to the same levels as other IAFF departments, such as Governmental Affairs and Health & Safety. Appointed to the position of EMS director is Lori Moore, who previously served in the Washington D.C. offices as an EMS specialist. Moore will have a staff who will work full time on fire service EMS issues. Congratulations Lori!
US Fire Administration Announces Ergonomics Guide
USFA has a new publication on ergonomics. The Fire and Emergency Medical Service Ergonomics - A Guide for Understanding and Implementing An Ergonomics Program in Your Department details ways local fire and rescue departments can develop or enhance effective programs to avoid or minimize injuries. Get the free publication by calling 301-447-1660.
Questions, comments, suggestions?? Contact Gary Ludwig at the numbers addresses listed below:
Gary G. Ludwig is on the board of the IAFC-EMS Section and is the EMS chief for the St. Louis Fire Department. He can be reached at 314-533-4175; fax 314-289-1977; AOL at GaryLudwig@aol.com.
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