Proposal:
EMS Logistical Support Unit Program- EMS-LSU
Alan Perry
7/25/2018
Overview
In high performance EMS systems, unit delays at receiving facilities
and down-time for equipment failure and provider rehab have serious
implications for system response capability. The goal of an EMS-LSU program is
to provide a resource that does not compete with operational assets, people or
equipment, which supports operational units during their recovery phase, returning
both equipment and personnel to a state of readiness in a timely manner. This will
reduce stresses on the system and providers when call volumes peak and improve
the overall resilience of the VBEMS system.
Background
Support units are nothing new, they have been used in the
fire service for decades and larger metropolitan EMS systems use them as well. The
City of Virginia Beach EMS system has staffed support units in the past, but
never specifically for ambulance logistical support. EMS supervisors attempt to
partially fill this role when able, and the MCI capability serves a specific
role for large scale localized incidents. The EMS-LSU program seeks to fill
this gap in operational support.
Purpose
The EMS-LSU will serve as a resource specifically for
ambulances, and their crews, assisting with routine cleaning, maintenance and
minor repairs to units while in quarters and reaching into the field to assist
with turn-around at hospitals at times of high call demand. It will have the
capability to take care of routine cleaning, decontamination, resupply, battery
and oxygen exchange, simple vehicle maintenance, vehicle livery and crew rehab.
Functions of EMS LSU
- · Inventory, check-off and clean reserve units.
- · Assist with inventory, check-off and cleaning of staffed units.
- · Minor maintenance and repair of all units (fluids, bulbs, wiper blades, tire pressures).
- · Periodic detailing of units.
- · Station upkeep.
- · Responding to hospitals non-emergency when multiple units are transporting to facilitate unit recycling and crew rehab.
- · Performing targeted public safety training, home safety inspections, school demonstrations.
Staffing
The EMS-LSU will be staffed by administrative members and
providers who are on light duty. In this role these members may more fully
participate in EMS operations without being involved in patient care. A brief
training program will be provided covering the equipment and supplies carried
on the ambulances, the specific maintenance requirements and procedures for our
units and OSHA blood-born pathogen training.
Equipment
The EMS-LSU can be any vehicle capable of carrying the
required personnel, equipment and supplies. A decommissioned ambulance seems
like a logical choice.
Cleaning equipment
·
Shop vac, brooms, mops/bucket w/wringer, rags
and brushes
·
Water tank w/pump
·
Pressure washer
·
Cleaning/detailing chemicals
Vehicle Supplies
·
Vehicle oil, ATF, def fluid, washer fluid, brake
fluid
·
Bulbs for interior and exterior
·
Wiper blades
·
Battery jump box
·
Basic hand tools
·
Air compressor, hose reel, tire chucks and gauges
EMS supplies
·
Soft goods. PPE, Tyvek
·
Oxygen tanks, oxygen delivery devices, CPAP, BVM
etc.
·
Life-pack 15 supplies including spare cables
& cuffs
·
Charger & Batteries for LP-15, radios, Lucas,
power stretcher
·
Backboards and straps, stretcher straps
Rehab Supplies
·
Refrigerated cooler or ice chest for drinks and
water
·
Single serve snacks
·
OTC self-care packs
·
Loaner rain gear, traffic vests
Public Education, recruitment
·
Display materials
·
Home safety/pool safety/ bicycle/ firearm safety
handouts
Benefits
An EMS-LSU program will have multiple advantages
·
Improve system performance by reducing readiness
and turn-around times
·
Reduced stress on operational members, improving
job satisfaction & retention
·
More immersive experience for administrative
members
·
Recruitment and retention tool
Conclusion:
An EMS-LSU program is easily achievable and beneficial to
the VBEMS system. This program has multiple tangible benefits and will improve
both performance and morale. The program can serve as a recruitment and
retention tool providing a gateway between administrative and operational positions.
If successfully deployed it will serve as an easily reproducible program for
use elsewhere within the VBEMS system.