PRESENTER: Presenter
Ruy Lozano, Fire Chief
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a contract with Heidi Abraham PLLC, Medical Director, and Chet Kharod, Deputy Medical Director to support the City’s Emergency Medical Services Program with EMS medical direction and pre-hospital provider services, for the New Braunfels Fire Department.
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DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The New Braunfels Fire Department provides Emergency Medical Services to the citizens of New Braunfels. The City has contracted for a Medical Director to support its emergency medical services since 1984. The Medical Director provides oversight, direction, and support for the City’s emergency medical services personnel. The current contract will expire on September 30, 2023.
As the City continues to grow the EMS program has experienced increased demand. Dr. Heidi Abraham has successfully been serving as the City’s Medical Director since October 1, 2017. This new contract will be a continuation of vital services needed by the New Braunfels Fire Department to provide quality patient care. These services will also include a Deputy Medical Director as backup.
The services provided, include but are not limited to, medical direction, with 24/7 online medical direction access, EMS oversight and support, including development and approval of protocols and standing orders; overseeing continuing medical education requirements evaluating and reviewing the competence of personnel; prescribing medicines and supplies; and maintaining accurate records of prescriptions, supplies, protocols, orders and evaluations, and educational training for personnel.
The City recommends contracting with Heidi Abraham PLLC, Medical Director, and Chet Kharod, Deputy Medical Director for three years, from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2027, with two one-year options to renew. The estimated 3-year contract for both positions will be $300,000.00, ($100,000 per year), with a maximum increase of 4% annually.
ISSUE:
Continue to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the annual cost of the services described above has been incorporated into the FY 2024 Fire Department General Fund budget.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval for a contract with Heidi Abraham PLLC, Medical Director, and Chet Kharod, Deputy Medical Director to support the City’s Emergency Medical Services Program with EMS medical direction and pre-hospital provider services, for the New Braunfels Fire Department.