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This Week in EMS: A Recap for March 10 -16, 2007
Two developments with national EMS ramifications appeared in exclusive news articles this week on EMSResponder.com.
The first describes an effort by several major EMS associations to release a unified response to last year's Institute of Medicine Report on the state of EMS. The group used the report's data and recommendations to agree on a set of shared industry priorities, in order to move EMS forward and to demonstrate a unified front to the federal government. This show of unity is one more step in the right direction to get EMS better recognized, respected and funded at the federal level.
The multiple-association committee was chaired by the president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), Dr. Brian Keaton, and plans to release a report later this month on the priorities selected. These include:
- Research
- Establishment of a regional system approach to EMS
- Categorization of EMS Centers; identifying specialty and levels of care facilities
- Reimbursement for EMS
- Issues regarding Uncompensated Care
For more on this effort read the full article by EMSResponder.com writer Susan Nicol Kyle, EMS Groups Agree on Industry Priorities.
The second exclusive report this week follows a state proposal to dissolve Maryland's Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). This issue is of national importance because the system was just lauded last year as a national model in the Institute of Medicine report. Maryland's approach is also a foundation for the Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA) "Model Trauma System," published in 2006. The future -- or lack thereof -- of this unique system could have far-reaching effects.
MIEMSS oversees all aspects of the state's EMS network, including establishing protocols and setting regulations for commercial ambulances. It also operates a sophisticated communications center and administers grants.
While opponents call the move to dismantle the system "ludicrous," the delegate who introduced the bill says it could streamline the system without hurting it, as well as save $1 million per year.
For more on this controversial discussion, read the full article, Maryland EMS System Fights Dissolution .
In other major industry news this week, a dispute between Ford and its diesel engine supplier could threaten much of the nation's ambulance supply.
As a result of the dispute, production of new ambulances has ground to a halt and isn't likely to resume any time soon, according to industry reports.
Ambulance companies looking for solutions do have options, including the use of gas engines or switching to a different supplier. For the details of this dispute and the specific apparatus affected, read the full article, Ford Fight Threatens Ambulance Supply.
Reminders:
Thank you to those who responded to our EMS cell phone poll. The results will be included in an upcoming article in EMS Magazine.
Also, thank you to those who submitted websites to be considered for this year's EMS Magazine Annual Website Review. We have received many wonderful suggestions and look forward to sharing them with the EMS community.
Nominations continue to be accepted for EMS Magazine's 22nd Annual EMT/Paramedic of the Year Award, sponsored by Braun Industries and ZOLL Medical Corporation. For full contest rules and instructions please visit www.emsresponder.com/paramedic.
Other top headlines on EMSResponder.com this week:
