EMS Providers Pioneer Unique Collaboration in Alabama

There's an unusual relationship getting underway in Alabama. It's been born out of necessity, and residents stand to be the beneficiaries.

Paramedics with Madison Fire and Rescue Department will soon be spending their shifts staffing a commercial ambulance, owned by Huntsville EMS Inc (HEMSI).

"We can only see benefits by joining forces," said Fire Chief Ralph Cobb. "In addition to honing our paramedics' skills, it will bring ambulance service closer to our residents. I don't see any losers."

Those sentiments are shared by Jon Howell, HEMSI's CEO, who said he and Chief Cobb started talking about the issue more than a year ago. "We have some things to work out. But, I'm optimistic that it will work well. When folks see the big picture, they'll see it's the right move."

While departments in other communities share EMS resources with commercial providers, the new arrangement in Alabama may be a first, said Jack Krakeel, past chair of the EMS Section, International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Krakeel said when call volumes increase and staffing issues become critical, people start looking for alternatives, including partnering with commercial companies. "And, that's a good thing to keep the service available for citizens," he said.

The talks at various meetings started moving from "what if?" to "why not?" the local EMS leaders said.

There were many details to work out before the project was presented to Madison town officials and HEMSI's Board of Directors. Both bodies gave unanimous approval.

HEMSI ambulances will be housed in two fire stations, and staffed by two paramedics, one from the fire department, the other from HEMSI.

"They are paying us $24,000 a month to house their ambulances in our fire houses. With that money, I will be able to hire six additional firefighters," Cobb said.

Currently, fire engines staffed by firefighter/paramedics are dispatched to medical calls. HEMSI ambulances respond for transport, and personnel assume patient care for the 12-15 mile trip to the hospital. Cobb said the new system will improve his paramedics' skills because they will be in charge.

The chief said his department has always had a close relationship with HEMSI, which should make the transition go smoothly. "Some of our people work or have worked there too."

Howell said on serious calls, the fire department paramedics often ride along to assist. "Now, they will be dealing with physicians, hospital people and will be able to see the outcome...We have a history of cooperative effort, and once had an ambulance in one of their stations 12 hours a day."

The CEO said HEMSI, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary, knew it had to expand and look outside the box in order to continue to provide EMS to the ever-growing population in the Madison area.

Cobb said he is looking forward to seeing the collaborative team begin, and believes the concept may just be an answer for other communities across the nation.