HomeMy WebLinkAboutEMS_Workshop_PresentationPort Arthur Fire Department EMS Workshop
EMS Program Overview
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Purpose of the Workshop
• Brief council members on how EMS functions within the Fire Department.
• Explain the value of our First Responder Organization (FRO)
• Explain the call taking process of a 9-1-1 call
• Explain the need for a more comprehensive approach to EMS system evaluation – one that considers patient outcomes, clinical quality, and system safety alongside traditional response
time metrics.
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Who We Are
PAFD is a fully paid fire department with currently 115 positions for certified EMS personnel
All our firefighters are cross-trained and certified at various levels of EMS – EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT (AEMT) or Paramedic
PAFD operates as a First Responder Organization (FRO), meaning we are often the first on scene during medical emergencies.
Our EMS division functions under established protocols and maintains updated equipment and technology to support high-quality prehospital care.
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Fire Department Call Types
Calls fall under five (5) main categories:
Fire/Rescue
EMS
HazMat
Service Call or Good Intent
False Alarm
More than 50% of all calls fall within the EMS Category
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Incident Types by Month
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Value of the FD EMS Division
Immediate, Life-Saving Response
First on scene
Early intervention – CPR, airway management, etc
Highly trained and Continuously Educated Workforce
Partnering with LSCO and LIT
Investing in our greatest asset, our members.
Integration of Technology
NXT AutoPulse
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Fire and EMS Operations
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
Receive emergency calls
Gather critical information
Determine the appropriate response
Dispatch responders
NFPA Standard 1710
Provides minimum requirements for timely emergency responses.
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Fire and EMS Operations
NFPA Standard 1710
The standard covers several critical areas:
Response Times
Call Processing – Time from call received to dispatched
Turnout Time – Time from dispatch to apparatus rolling
Travel Time – Time to reach scene
Full Alarm Assignment – Time to assemble full response team.
Staffing Levels
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Operations
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9-1-1 Call Received and Triaged (Fire or EMS)
Call Transferred to Medical Call Taker
FD unit is dispatched and enroute
Ambulance screens call and dispatches its unit
FD Engine arrives on scene
EMS Unit arrives on scene
EMS Transports
Arrives at Hospital
Event Identified
Dispatch
Travel Time
Fire time
Starts here
EMS time
Starts here
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Port Arthur Run Times for January 2025
City EMS Data
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Why Response Time Alone Falls Short
• Response time is not strongly correlated with patient outcomes
• RT can be altered or influenced and doesn't reflect the quality of patient care
• Faster isn't always better – the right care matters more
• Focus should be on comprehensive outcomes (survival, satisfaction, protocol compliance)
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Patient-Centered Performance Metrics
• Survival rates for time-sensitive conditions (e.g., STEMI, stroke)
• Protocol compliance by responders
• Patient satisfaction surveys
• Complaints and QA/QI findings
• Time to treatment initiation (e.g., oxygen, defibrillation)
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Timeline of Events Requiring RFQ/RFA
Council Meeting in 2024 – We presented to council the intended direction for EMS services. Council made it clear they wanted to explore multiple EMS providers.
November 2024 – No option for extension with current contract. Agreed to a 12-month extension with City Ambulance.
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Timeline of Events Requiring RFQ/RFA
May 20, 2025 – Council adopts new city ordinance with updated changes.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on July 16, 2025 and closes on August 13, 2025. This process was established by the previous Fire Chief in the form of a Request for Application
(RFA). Establishing the first EMS RFQ/RFA in 2023.
Contract with City EMS did expire on November 30, 2024 and they are currently working under a 12-month extension.
The Council will choose an EMS provider(s) after the RFQ process closes, and all candidates will be ranked and presented to council.
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End of Presentation
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