Talking Points to Support a Fire-Based EMS Model

   In an era of budget cuts, cost squeezings and all-around economic turbulence, lots of communities are wrestling with the most cost-effective way to deliver good-quality EMS. A trio of fire-service organizations maintain the fire service is the best option for that, and are offering resources to help its advocates make that case.

   The "Fire Service-Based EMS Electronic Tool Kit" available at www.fireserviceems.com is a product of the International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs and Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. It offers some preliminary resources for departments whose EMS first response or ambulance transport role is, as they put it, "currently threatened or under open attack." Additional strategic and tactical resources beyond the tool kit are also available.

   The kit contains talking points and links to websites, videos and perspectives on key issues. Among the talking points:

• Major EMS expenses such as personnel, apparatus and facilities are already paid for.
• Fire-based EMS can begin treating patients immediately, even if they're entrapped.
• Firefighters can work more hours per week without being paid overtime than private-sector EMS workers.
• Of the 200 most populated U.S. communities, 97% have the fire service delivering prehospital EMS response. Of the 30 most populated U.S. cities and counties, 90% have the fire service delivering ALS care.

   The tool kit also provides links to more in-depth information on key issues such as enhanced revenue, pathway management, fire-service EMS history, and the capabilities of multirole firefighters.