Fire-Based EMS When you’ve seen one system….you’ve seen one system! The principle issue is sustainability. It isn’t which delivery system is best…rather it’s identifying which delivery system is best for each community, and how that community ensures their system’s long-term success.

Fire-Based EMS There are a variety of options that will produce a variety of results. Some factors to consider include: The level of risk the community is willing to accept The system’s objectives and the customer’s expectations The community’s ability to fund the system Fire-based EMS—particularly ambulance service—is one option that the fire service believes is a viable alternative in many cases.

General Information About Fire-Based EMS Brief History The fire service’s involvement in patient care began as far back as the 1920’s. Claude Beck, a surgeon at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, called the fire department so he could attempt to resuscitate a patient by applying “pulmotor,” (an artificial breathing apparatus). In 1940’s, Miami was the first city to call itself a “Fire Rescue” department. It was also revolutionary in using 2-way radios to bridge physicians in the hospital with firefighters. Miami’s first rescue truck to treat citizens “Rescue One” became operational in 1941, and was used to provide basic first aid.

General Information About Fire-Based EMS Brief History cont’d By the 1960’s CPR was being taught to firefighters, and during this period the modern relationship between EMS and fire department began to develop. Fire departments were starting to provide intravenous therapy, electrocardiograph, and advanced airway intervention. According to the U.S. Fire Administration: The majority of the 26,468 fire departments in the country provide EMS at some level…of which almost 40% provide advanced life support In OK, there are 709 fire departments…of which 184 provide non-transport EMS, and 34 provide ambulance service

General Information About Fire-Based EMS Benefits Many system components already funded Resources deployed in a manner that minimizes response time Continuity of patient care Stability of the service provider Levels of Involvement BLS First Responder ALS First Responder BLS Transport ALS Transport

Owasso’s Fire-Based EMS Design City Specifics Population- 30,000/45,000 Fire District- 50 sq. miles EMS District- 75 sq. miles Median Income- $62,867 Median Home Value- $151,526 Housing Units- 11,346 Occupied- 94.2% Occupied by Owner- 73.7% Occupied by Renter- 26.3% Fire Department Specifics Owasso FD members % are Paramedics Cross-trained/Dual-role Paramedic license required for employment 3 Fire Stations in service 2 Fire Stations planned (construction delayed by the economy) Total Incidents last year- 4,279 Fire - 1,149 (27%) EMS- 3,130 (73%)

How Owasso’s Fire-Based EMS is Funded Budget (FY ) Fire Operations: $3,937,665 Ambulance Service: $1,267,732 Ambulance Capital: $277,800 Ambulance Fees $4.00/Month per water/sewer customer Ambulance billing (fee-for-service) Loop Holes Businesses Apartments Visitors

How Owasso’s Fire-Based EMS is Funded Ambulance Billing Revenue for FY (based on billing contractor reports) : Patients Transported: 2175 Billed: $1,411,749 Collected: $835,208 Adjusted: $573,623

How Owasso’s Fire-Based EMS is Funded Adjustments (by category): Medicare $291,361 Medicaid $48,322 Subscriber $120,455 Uncollectible $80,390 Misc. $33,095

Future Challenges and Considerations Challenges: Community Growth/Increased Call Load Questionable Sustainability Change in Scope of Services (Need vs. Affordability) Considerations: Identifying the acceptable level of risk/manage community expectations Identifying Cost Saving Opportunities (such as Fire-Based EMS and Regional Response Systems)