Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Kenneth Jacks, Fire Chief
Contact Info
(830) 221-4207 - kjacks@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a contract with e-merge EMS to support the City’s Emergency Medical Services Program with medical direction and pre-hospital provider services.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The New Braunfels Fire Department is required to contract with a Medical Director, whose role is to oversee the department’s medical services to the community. A Medical Director provides EMS oversight and support, including the development and approval of treatment protocols and standing orders; evaluation and continuing education of EMS personnel; prescribing medicines and supplies; and records management, among other things.
The City has contracted with Dr. Flanagan since 1984. The City has not solicited for Medical Director services in the past. The City has renewed the contract every three years since 1984. The current three-year contract expires on September 30, 2017. The annual cost for this contract is $32,000.
The City determined as a “best practice” it could be advantageous to bid the service to determine if savings or a higher level of service could be achieved. A Request for Qualifications process provided three (3) responses: e-merge EMS, Dr. Manifold and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The responses were reviewed and ranked by a team consisting of Fire EMS staff and one community volunteer. The candidates were evaluated based on qualifications, experience and ability to perform services. Interviews were hosted for the three (3) candidates to discuss their qualifications. Based on the overall evaluation, e-merge EMS, with Dr. Heidi Abraham as Medical Director, is being recommended to provide the City’s EMS medical direction and pre-hospital provider services.
The support from e-merge EMS will provide a team approach with a Medical Director and Associate Medical Directors. Their support will provide medical direction, with 24/7 online medical direction access, and EMS oversight and support, including development and approval of protocols and standing orders; overseeing continuing medical education requirements; evaluating and reviewing competence of personnel; prescribing medicines and supplies; and maintaining accurate records of the prescriptions, supplies, protocols, orders, and evaluations; and educational training for personnel.
The recommended contract will begin October 1, 2017 and expire on September 30, 2020 with two one-year options to renew. The contract price is $30,000 per year with a maximum increase of three percent annually.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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Yes |
Strategic Priorities: |
Public Safety - Continue to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property; Effective Management - Maintain an ongoing program to provide exemplary customer service. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost is $30,000 per year with a maximum three percent annual increase. The cost of these services is included in the FY 2017-18 Proposed Budget. Therefore, sufficient funds are available to award the contract as described above.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a contract with e-merge EMS to support the City’s Emergency Medical Services Program with medical direction and pre-hospital provider services.