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National, state, and local governments have been challenged in recent years to review and re-evaluate the services they provide and the manner in which they provide them. These challenges have been driven by a number of external forces, pressuring all levels of public service. A weakening economy, shrinking tax revenues, legislative constraints, Amendment One, Save Out Homes, and public demand have had a significant impact on local, state and national agencies, spawning in-depth evaluations of end user-benefit as compared to the services provided.
In light of these challenges, the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District (BSFCRD) recently filed an application on May 3rd with Lee County to be able to provide an ambulance transport service to benefit the residents of our community.
For the fiscal year 2009-10, the Fire Board adopted a lower millage rate, which was not repeated anywhere else in the county. It is clear that the Fire Board is cognizant of the mandate to be responsive to the community and changing economic environment. The District is committed to finding new and innovative ways of refining the organization while maintaining and providing the most beneficial service delivery system for our community. Ambulance Transport has been identified as a potential service expansion that may substantially benefit the citizens of our community. This expanded service would facilitate a transition from the current two-tiered medical response, provided by BSFCRD and Lee County EMS (LCEMS) to a single medical response and transport service provided by BSFCRD.
In 1997, BSFCRD was licensed as a paramedic EMS non-transport service provider. However, we were still dependent on other agencies for ambulance transport services. With the proposed new service, Bonita’s cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics, who already respond first and provide advanced life support treatment, would also transport patients to the most appropriate hospital.
BSFCRD’s proposal is to expand our current level of advanced life support non-transport service to an emergency medical ambulance transport service. We would provide four 24-hour ambulances, where LCEMS currently provides only two 24-hour and one 12-hour ambulance in our community.
The initial capital outlay to undertake this project would be supported by the current department budget. BSFCRD can support this new system with our experienced 44 EMTs and 36 paramedics. Our personnel are not only cross-trained as EMTs, paramedics and firefighters, but also are trained in vehicle extrication, rope, water, trench, structural collapse, hazardous materials and other technical rescue operations, where Lee County EMS staff are solely EMTs or paramedics.
The anticipated revenue generated from patient transport would cover the operational costs of providing the ambulance transport system. The billing fees for transport would be equal to or less than the current rates charged by LCEMS.
The Advocates for Fire-Service Based EMS Coalition believe that fire-service based EMS is strategically positioned to deliver pre-hospital emergency medical services that incorporate time critical response and effective patient care. Fire-serviced based EMS emphasizes responder safety, Competent and compassionate workers, and cost effective operations. Click on the link below to see how this type of service works in other communities around the country.
We have support from numerous organizations in the community and would appreciate the same from the residents of Bonita Springs. If you have further questions please contact the District at 239-949-6200. We would be happy to answer your concerns and questions regarding this important step toward more efficient public safety services in Bonita Springs.
Respectfully,
P. H. Kinsey, Jr. Fire Chief Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District |
