2020-2025 Medic One/EMS levy planning process
The Medic One/EMS system serving Seattle and King County is known worldwide for its excellent medical results. By simply dialing 9-1-1, all residents have immediate access to the best possible medical care, regardless of location, circumstances, or time of day. For over 45 years, our commitment to science, innovation and partnerships has brought about advances in medicine, training and delivery, resulting in thousands of lives saved, and an EMS program that is second to none.
Our regional Medic One/EMS system is primarily funded by a countywide, voter-approved EMS levy (per RCW 84.52.069) which will expire December 31, 2019. To ensure continued emergency medical services in 2020 and beyond, the region is undertaking an extensive planning process to collaboratively develop a Strategic Plan and financing plan (levy) for King County voters to renew in 2019. The all-inclusive process brings together leaders and decision-makers from throughout region and Stakeholders representing all parts of the system to assess the needs of the system and develop recommendations to direct the system into the future.
EMS Advisory Task Force
Overseeing the creation and vetting of the Medic One/EMS levy is the EMS Advisory Task Force, which is charged with reviewing and endorsing broad policy decisions for the EMS system. This 20-body group consists of elected officials from cities and fire districts. Representing those who administer, authorize and are served by the system, the Task Force will be invaluable in determining the right proposal, and the financial implications it may have, for their jurisdictions.
EMS Advisory Task Force contact:
Helen Chatalas, 206-263-8560; helen.chatalas@kingcounty.gov
The Medic One/EMS levy planning process will use four subcommittees to conduct program and cost analyses needed to develop the next EMS Strategic Plan and levy. Chaired by an EMS Advisory Task Force member and comprised of subject matter experts, the groups meet monthly to determine the programs needed to ensure the region can continue to provide its world-class emergency medical service.
Subcommittees broken into four basic program areas:
Paramedics respond to calls for critical or life-threatening injuries and illness, providing advanced emergency care such as airway control, heart pacing and the dispensing of medicine. They receive over 2,500 hours of intensive training through the University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center Paramedic Training Program and must complete continuing medical education to maintain certification.
Topics to be addressed by this Subcommittee include identifying current/ future/new service needs, potential challenges, and number of units needed; establishing the cost of each unit; developing the financial plan and refining costs; and incorporating strategies to deliver cost efficiencies and system effectiveness.
ALS Subcommittee Chair: The Honorable Keith Scully, Shoreline City Mayor
ALS Subcommittee contact:
Michele Plorde, 206-263-8603; Michele.Plorde@kingcounty.gov
BLS personnel are the “first responders” to an incident and provide immediate medical care, such as advanced first aid and CPR/AED to stabilize the patient. Staffed by firefighters trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), BLS units arrive at the scene in about five minutes (on average). It handles 100% of the service requests and contributes significantly to the success of the Medic One/EMS system.
Topics to be addressed by this Subcommittee include determining the BLS allocation and its distribution formula; improving system effectiveness with strategies to manage EMS patients’ varying and complex needs; and identifying cost efficiencies.
BLS Subcommittee Chair: The Honorable Denis Law, Mayor of Renton
BLS Subcommittee contact:
Helen Chatalas, 206-263-8560; helen.chatalas@kingcounty.gov
Regional Services are the core programs that support the key elements of the system, ensuring the uniformity and standardization of the direct services provided by the system’s partners. This sort of regional coordination ensures pre-hospital patient care is delivered the same high standards across the region, regional policies and practices that reflect the diversity of needs are maintained, and local area service delivery is balanced with centralized interests.
Topics to be addressed by this Subcommittee include assessing the types of programs and strategies needed to meet current, future and emergent needs; reviewing pilots from the current levy span; and identifying future pilots (Strategic Initiatives), cost efficiencies and system effectiveness opportunities.
Regional Services Subcommittee Chair: The Honorable Tom Agnew, Bothell City Councilmember
Regional Services Subcommittee contact:
Helen Chatalas, 206-263-8560; helen.chatalas@kingcounty.gov
The Finance Subcommittee will assess the programmatic recommendations developed by the other subcommittees and provide financial advice, viewing the proposals as a whole package, rather than independent program areas. In addition, the Subcommittee will review economic forecasts, determine indices for inflating costs, and develop financial policies. Another role is to provide financial perspective and advice to the Task Force to ensure the EMS system remains financially sound in the next levy period, and help make decisions about the levy.
Finance Subcommittee Chair: The Honorable John Marchione, Mayor of Redmond
Finance Subcommittee contact:
Helen Chatalas, 206-263-8560; helen.chatalas@kingcounty.gov