Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services Division
The Emergency Medical Services Division provides clinical direction, medical oversight, and support for the department’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations. EMS performance is analyzed through a quality improvement (QI) program. EMS Division staff work with the Training Division to coordinate and deliver EMS-related education and training. Insurance and billing information is used to bill health insurance companies and other third-party payers.
To handle the increasing EMS call volume, EPFR deploys six fire engines and four medic units (paramedic ambulances) with a combination of firefighter-EMTs and firefighter-paramedics at our six staffed stations. All full-time firefighters are cross-trained as either emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics and are able to respond to both medical emergencies and fires.
Mobile Integrated Health
Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) represents one of the most progressive evolutions in the delivery of community-based care by sending EMS providers within their current scope of practice in an expanded role through the use of non-emergent resources in the pre-hospital setting.
Community Resource Paramedic
The Community Resource Paramedic assists frequent 9-1-1 callers and patients with unmet, chronic medical conditions. The Community Resource Paramedic helps patients navigate a complex health-care system, connecting them with resources and case managers who often can provide services to assist these “at-risk” patients. This program helps improve the quality of life for patients and helps them continue to live safely, and independently, while reducing 9-1-1 calls, keeping fire/EMS units available for other medical emergencies.
Behavioral Health Specialist
EPFR’s Behavioral Health Specialist’s connections and in-depth knowledge of Pierce County’s mental health system help fill the gap our residents often encounter when attempting to access care.
No Out-Of-Pocket Ambulance Expense To Residents
Since 2004, East Pierce Fire & Rescue has provided emergency ambulance service to district residents with the goal of providing improved clinical care at no “out-of-pocket” cost to fire district residents. The district does bill, on the patient’s behalf, private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance providers.
For district residents, insurance co-pays are “written off” against the EMS levy, providing hospital transportation at no “out-of-pocket” expense to the individual patient. We estimate that district residents save between $900,000 and $1,200,000 each year from this program, which is underwritten by the EMS levy.