Report Prepared by: Billy Alcorn, Fire Chief, Fire Dept.
Title
SUBJECT: Update on Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Program and Request for Approval to Implement a Rescue Paramedic Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provide City Council with an update on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and obtain approval implementing a Rescue Paramedic program within the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the City of Merced Fire Department to implement a rescue paramedic program; and,
B. Authorizing the City of Merced Fire Department to continue to advance the EMS service levels as needed; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
Body
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This action is consistent with the city’s operating principal to promote Public Safety.
DISCUSSION
The future of the fire service is being driven by changes in society. These changes include new expectations of our stakeholders and fire personnel such as greater accountability for the use of public resources and improving the overall efficiency of programs and services. As a result of these factors, the Merced Fire Department has prepared a report to obtain approval in implementing a rescue paramedic program, while continuously analyzing opportunities to advance our EMS service levels.
In terms of call volume, 2019 has been the busiest year to date for the City of Merced Fire Department. In looking at a year to year comparison, the department has seen an increase of 740 incidents between 2018 and 2019. 64% of our total call volume is directly related to Emergency Medical incidents and the department strives to provide the highest level of care to the community we serve. Over 56% of the time, Fire arrives at scene before the ambulance company and has the ability to administer emergency medical services in hopes of a positive patient outcome.
As fire departments throughout the United States evaluate their current EMS delivery models, many of them focus exclusively on transportation of the patient and the associated issues with patient off load times and other challenges beyond the fire departments control. The department is currently focused on analyzing how increasing the level of EMS service and providing rapid medical intervention will increase patient outcomes.
While there are many benefits to increasing the level of service provided by the fire department to our community, there are also fiscal challenges and impacts associated with an increase in care. The department seeks City Council’s direction as to approving the recommendations being proposed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Rescue Paramedic/Advanced Life Support Slideshow Presentation