Integrated Fire/EMS what are the benefits?

[Dave404]

As seen in a previous thread their are a lot of integrated services appearing in Alberta. So what is the big benefit....not that I am against it, I am all for it.
My reasoning is simple, current ambulance service is gone on interfacility transfers to Calgary quite often, area coverage is provided by flexed ambulances, but this increases response times. FD does first response and co-response on Delta and Echo calls, Bravo calls if the response time is greater than 10 minutes.

What I would like to see - EMS system in place where the ambulance is run by the FD - ambulance is in town 90% of the time. Back up unit could be BLS (frontline ALS). Some calls will require direct transfer to the city, but majority would be to local hospital. No inter facility transfers - to me that is what the Calgary Health Region is for.

Lethbridge provides interfacility transfer service, but staff is called in and paid overtime - excellent idea.

What are your thoughts on amalgamated service? Does it save money in the long run? Does it provide better patient care through faster response?

[K9kazoo]

Our WFPS here in Winnipeg had initially stated that amalgamation was about saving money. Later on it changed and said it wasn't about the money... it was about providing pt. care. Either who... we're two separate services under one now.

B.

[CanuckEMT]

In my limited experience Dave, I think the Lethbridge model is the way to go. Great coverage for the city, no transfers unless both transfer ambulances are out and backup spread out from either the RV (rescue) or pump response.

There are similarities in the fact that their Code Reds ( no ambulance available) are increasing. There is also the odd time that wait times are incurred in the ER as well. They are in the process of adding a fifth ambulance which will hopefully decrease response times and provide even better coverage.

I can't comment on the comparison in cost but I do think the response times and thusly pt care is a little superior.

As busy as Foothills is getting I think they might have to look at either adding another unit or two during peak hours or even look into the possibility of setting up a dedicated transfer car.