Opportunities for Improvement

Opportunities for Improvement in the Fire Service

Staffing- Create a staffing model that is flexible and reliable

·        Role of EMS Supervisors- oversight, training, administrative, caregivers, coach.

·        Create clear career path for battalion level EMS officer, examine rank structure.

·        Create equity among various classifications- no divisions in workload based on level of EMS training; everyone should be involved in providing EMS service and transport.

·        Examine and identify ways to increase numbers of paramedics to facilitate move to all/more ALS apparatus.

Deployment- Create a more equitable and responsive deployment model

·        Seek to distribute call volume among all units more equally.

·        Cover areas with high call volume with multiple units.

·        Create flexible company structure that permits deploying assets based on nature of call.

·        Consider options to sending entire engine companies to EMS calls, public assists and courtesy calls.

Training- Create EMS training that is innovative and supportive

·        Move to competency based system.     

·        Role of training division- more emphasis on EMS topics.

·        Use of training medic for monthly skill drills.

·        Use of some sick leave for elective training.

·        Annual MCI training & drills.

·        Quarterly BLS/ALS protocol and medication test (exambuilder).

·        Integrate new education standards to lessen hardship of transition.

·        Include training/obstacle course for patient lifting and moving.

Providers- Enhance the competency, consistency and confidence of EMS providers

·        Monthly skills drill based on EMT practical tests.

·        Encourage outside and elective EMS training.

·        Encourage/train in injury reduction practices related to lifting/moving.

·        Scenario based team management training.

Apparatus- Assure apparatus functionality and reliability

·        Better oversight of repair & maintenance.

·        Reduce cost through preventive services, reduced down time & repeat services.

Administration- Be part of an enabling and responsive administration

·        More involvement with front line staff.

·        More involvement regionally, i.e. TEMS, other localities, VAOEMS.

·        Open communication policy.

·        Transparency in decision making process.

·        Create a Citizen advisory board.

Communications- Improve communications practicality and efficiency

·        Implement true EMD system- priority dispatch single unit based on nature of call.

·        Correct shortcomings of HealthEMS- system speed, web filtering, spell check, terminology, use of station computers, additional fixed data entry stations at hospital.

·        Integrate/eliminate redundant systems that increase workload with no benefit.

·        Examine alternative platforms i.e tablets, ipads, iphones

·        Install appropriate mounts in patient care area on medics for laptops.

·        Perform hearing protection study, and install headsets on all medics if warranted.

Public Education- Develop or enhance education programs that will benefit citizens.

·        Build a pro-active public education program to dovetail with fire prevention programs.

·        Investigate and implement program to facilitate proper medical emergency reaction from public.

·        Provide more EMS education opportunities for the public.

Volunteers- Improve volunteer recruitment and retention

·        Investigate attitudes and barriers to EMS volunteerism. 

·        Develop pool of potential career providers.

New Opportunities- Look for new opportunities to improve efficiency and value

·        Develop new delivery methods- community paramedicine, well checks.

·        Create liaison for nursing facilities & assisted living facilities.

·        Investigate provision of transport services for non-emergency patients.

·        Integrate with public health, community services, social services and hospitals.