Wash. EMS Group Sets List of Priorities for Future of Their Ambulance Service

July 19--MOUNT VERNON -- The county's EMS advisory group adjourned Monday after forming a list of priorities for the future of the county's ambulance system.

The Skagit County Emergency Medical Services Delivery Model Advisory Group, made up of representatives from cities, the county, ambulance providers and fire districts, is tasked with reaching a consensus on how patients should be transported and managed.

Priorities such as "deliver high quality services" and "ensure the system is sustainable, efficient and accountable" were set, and a subcommittee was formed to determine how several ambulance system models would meet those requirements.

The subcommittee's work which will be shared at the next meeting in August.

Conversation on models focused on systems managed by city fire departments, a central county department, or the existing model, which is a combination of a city system, a nonprofit and an ambulance authority.

The list of priorities did not differ significantly from a list compiled by the group's facilitator, Jim Reid, before meetings started in April, nor did it specify metrics or methods for assessing models.

One theme of discussion during the meeting was how the system would be governed.

Dean Shelton, of the International Association of Firefighters, said he's seen a lack of accountability and a lack of a clear chain of command, claims that have previously been made by the directors of the county's three ambulance providers.

"What doesn't (work) is layering of government," Shelton said.

The Skagit County commissioners control the EMS system's funding, while county EMS Director Mark Raaka has power over direction and policy, and the ambulance providers have control over operations.

Representatives from rural areas repeated their argument for the preservation of volunteer fire districts, which feel threatened by the increasing of EMT responsibilities and training.

"My biggest concern ... is that the volunteer system gets administratively sacrificed," said John Doyle, La Conner town administrator.

Mike Noyes, chief of Skagit County Fire District 11, was similarly concerned, saying some volunteer departments are already scrambling to keep up with the needs of their communities.

The preservation of volunteer departments was included on the list of priorities.

-- Reporter Brandon Stone: bstone@skagitpublishing.com, 360-416-2112, Twitter: @Brandon_SVH

Copyright 2016 - Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, Wash.