DEPARTMENT: Fire
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
New Interlocal Agreements between UT Health Science Center San Antonio and San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) for EMT training and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system oversight and also EMS Medical Director Services.
SUMMARY:
The City operates the Emergency Medical Services throughout the City of San Antonio and other municipalities. These two contracts with the UT Health San Antonio will meet the State mandated requirements to train emergency medical personnel and oversee the City's Emergency Medical System.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
UT Health San Antonio has provided the Fire Department with EMT Basic and Paramedic training, EMS Medical Director services and EMS system oversight for over 40 years and is the current service provider. The current agreements with UT Health San Antonio will expire on September 30, 2016 and there are no renewal options.
In order for the SAFD to provide emergency medical services, the State requires the City to have Medical Director Services, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic professional training that has been approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code, and mandated continuing education for all levels of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). The State requires the city to operate its EMS system under a State of Texas licensed physician. In addition, the City is required to have treatment and transport protocols approved and authorized by the Medical Director.
The medical training and continuing education is provided to all members of the SAFD. The training and provision of emergency medical services is a critical component of the mission of the Fire Department.
The proposed agreements are for a period of three years with two, one year extensions.
The Medical Training agreement will increase from $1.267 million to $1.841 million annually...
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