(11)AR 090407 Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

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ITEM #11 CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: Tom Hendrix, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Consider Approval of an Agreement with Loma Linda University for EMS Coordination/Training and Authorize the City Manager to Sign on behalf of the City DATE: August 27, 2007 BACKGROUND: The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division of the Fire Department is under the direction of a shift Battalion Chief. He is responsible for insuring that the Department's 21 Firefighter - Paramedics and 24 Firefighter -EMTs are properly trained and equipped. EMS is a highly regulated function, as are other areas of the medical profession. The Fire Department must meet all Federal, State and County regulations. These regulations cover all aspects of EMS, including continuing education, bi-annual recertification covering numerous skill sets, annual mass casualty training exercises, Blood Borne Pathogens compliance, quality assurance, and narcotic ordering and security. Over the years, as EMS has become more regulated and the work load of the Battalion Chiefs has become much heavier, including emergency response and training requirements, it has become increasingly difficult to adequately manage our EMS Program. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: Loma Linda University Medical Center operates The Center for Pre -Hospital Care and they have developed a concept of providing EMS Coordination to local pre -hospital care providers such as the Colton Fire Department. They will provide assistance in coordinating the Fire Department EMS Program under the direction of a shift Battalion Chief. Services provided will include EMS education and training, assistance in our Quality Assurance Program, observing field responses, reviewing documentation, and assistance in the maintenance of our EMS Exposure Control Program. Services will be provided by a Registered Nurse with a minimum of three years of experience in EMS, with applicable certifications and knowledge of healthcare law, finance, and pre -hospital regulatory requirements. If the agreement is approved, Colton Fire Department will be the first agency to use this service, which will begin as soon as possible. The Fire Department considers this to be a pilot program to determine if this type of service will substantially improve oversight of our EMS Program. As such, either party may terminate the agreement with or without cause, effective sixty days after written notice to the other party.