I recently had the opportunity to join my colleagues for two meetings with many of our local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers. In that I have long understood the issues facing our first responders, much of the information provided to us was not surprising.
Our local EMS providers may be part of the local municipal government, or part of the local fire company or may be associated with a private company that contracts with municipalities. Unlike the volunteers of our fire departments, these folks are paid for their work. But the pay level is not truly adequate, and the funding sources are not always adequate either.
EMS workers are highly trained professionals. They go through extensive courses to be accepted into programs. I would venture that most of us do not fully comprehend what goes into being a certified EMS professional.
Here is what is important for all to be aware. EMS professionals can be our first and most important medical help in an emergency. EMS professionals evaluate a patient’s situation, provide first aid and are in contact with other emergency service personnel, including doctors and nurses. They work together with fire personnel, police and hospitals. The treatment a patient receives from EMS personnel without question saves lives.
A typical ambulance is equipped to be a mobile emergency room. Most equipment found in an ER can be found in today’s ambulances. The critical care a patient receives from the personnel in an ambulance can be lifesaving.
Allegheny County has gone from having 46 EMS companies to having 33 companies. Thirty-two of these agencies serve 130 municipalities. While many companies help neighboring personnel with calls, the dwindling number of those joining the ranks is constantly dwindling. Recruitment and retention remain serious issues, due to low pay and high job stress.
Most EMS agencies are underfunded. A new ambulance can cost well over $200,000. A stretcher alone can cost more than $70,000. Training of personnel is again very expensive. Support from municipalities and residents, while wonderful, only covers a small portion of operating costs.
One of the most pressing problems facing these providers is insurance reimbursement and billing issues. The State Legislature is currently looking at ways to help solve these issues and help keep our first responders afloat.
One current bill seeks to establish a fair and direct reimbursement rate for EMS providers from insurance companies whether in network or not. There is also discussion about having insurance companies directly pay EMS companies. Unfortunately, when an insurance company sends a reimbursement check to the insured person, the money is very rarely sent back to the EMS agency.
I have again introduced legislation designed to provide additional funds for our first responders, including these EMS units. This proposal would call for a minimal payment when a property is sold. While many residents do financially support their local first responders, many do not. This would help create a source of funds to help provide needed monies for our fire departments and EMS units.
We all expect that when we call 911, there will be a response. It is incumbent on all of us to support our EMS companies, along with our police and volunteer firefighters. Our communities are stronger when we have strong first responders that have the resources they need to protect us.
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