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Author: AAA Staff

AAA Comments on Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA)

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Legislative.

March 28, 2023

The Honorable Bernie Sanders
Chair
Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Bob Casey
Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Bill Cassidy
Ranking Member
Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mitt Romney
Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chair Sanders, Ranking Member Cassidy, Senator Casey, and Senate Romney,

I am writing on behalf of the American Ambulance Association (AAA) to provide comments on policies the Committee should consider during the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All- Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA).

The members of the AAA provide mobile health care services to more than 75 percent of Americans. These essential mobile health care services include the local operation of the 9-1- 1 emergency medical services (EMS) system, as well as both emergent and non-emergency interfacility care transition ambulance services and transportation. Often ground ambulance service organizations are the first medical professionals to interact with individuals in need of a health care encounter. These organizations also serve as the health care safety net for many small communities, especially those located in rural areas where other providers and suppliers have reduced their hours of operation or left the community altogether. As such, these organizations play a critical and unique role in the country’s health care infrastructure.

Ground ambulance services are essential to our nation’s emergency medical response system, whether they are needed for a pandemic, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. The country’s EMS system requires federal support to ensure the availability of a well-trained workforce to provide these ground ambulance services. Ground ambulance services are also essential to protecting patient access to the right level of facility-based treatment options.

I.                    Support for Jurisdictional Preparedness and Response Capacity: Hospital Preparedness Program / ASPR activities financed through the general HHP budget

The AAA supports continued funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). Our members have been working closely with the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPR) to find ways to direct some of the currently allocated HPP dollars to support ground ambulance services, particularly to address the workforce crisis and support expanded recruitment and training for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. During these discussions, it has become clear that more direct language authorizing the use of a specified portion of the HPP funds to support non-governmental and governmental ground ambulance services would allow ASPR to tackle this issue in a timelier manner.

Ground ambulance service organizations are facing crippling staffing challenges that threaten the provision of crucial emergency healthcare services at a time of maximum need. As we face a pandemic that waxes and wanes but does not end, our 9-1-1 infrastructure remains at risk due to these severe workforce shortages. The 2022 Ambulance Employee Workforce Turnover Study by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) and Newton 360 – the most sweeping survey of its kind involving nearly 20,000 employees working at 258 EMS organizations — found that overall turnover among paramedics and EMTs ranges from 20 to 30 percent annually with organizations on average having 30% of their paramedic positions open and 29% of their EMT positions.

The Congress and the President recognized the crisis and the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations called on ASRP to address this shortage by implementing a grant program to support non- governmental and governmental ground ambulance suppliers and providers through the HPP to address emergency medical services preparedness and response in light of the workforce shortage. While this language is helpful, the AAA recognizes that authorizing authority would provide a more sustainable approach to support an EMS workforce grant program.

Such a program would be consistent with the goals of ASRP. The FY24 HHS Budget in Brief highlights to goal of making “transformative investments in pandemic preparedness and biodefense across HHS public health agencies to enable an agile, coordinated, and comprehensive public health response to future threats and protect American lives, families, and the economy.” (HHS Budget in Brief 142). Ground ambulance medical services are an essential part of this preparedness and response goal.

Our nation’s ground ambulance service organizations, EMTs, and paramedics need Congress to address the EMS workforce challenges facing these front-line health care workers by including direct authority to use $50 million of the HPP funding to establish an EMS workforce grant program to address the crippling EMS workforce shortage, including in underserved, rural, and tribal areas and/or address health disparities related to accessing prehospital ground ambulance healthcare services, including critical care transport. The grants would be available to governmental and non-governmental EMS organizations to support the recruitment and training of emergency medical technicians and paramedics. The program would emphasize ensuring a well-trained and adequate ground ambulance services workforce in underserved, rural, and tribal areas and/or addressing health disparities related to accessing prehospital ground ambulance health care services.

This program is critically important to supporting the non-governmental and governmental ground ambulance service organizations that are the backbone of the country’s first emergency medical response system. The dollars would be used to provide grants directly to non- governmental and governmental ground ambulance service organizations to support training and retention programs, such as paying for initial training; providing tuition for community colleges EMT/ paramedic training courses; paying for required continuing education courses; supporting costs related to licensure and certification; and supporting individuals in underserved areas with transportation, child care, or similar services to promote accessing training.

II.                  Gaps in Current Activities and Capabilities: Gaps in HHS’ capabilities and what activities or authorities needed to fulfill intent of PAHPA and related laws

The most significant gap in PAHPA and HHS on preparedness and readiness activities is the exclusion of non-governmental entities from many of the federal programs targeted to first responders and EMS. This oversight results in more than one-third of local communities and their citizens not being able to access or benefit from the programs and funding that Congress intended be provided to support them. The AAA requests that the Committee recognize the decision-making authority to rely on non-governmental ground ambulance service organizations and provide access to programs that are currently available to governmental organizations.

During the pandemic, non-governmental local community ground ambulance organizations were not permitted to apply for or participant in many of the federal grant programs in place during the pandemic. As a result, these programs fell short of the goal of supporting preparedness and response activities at the local level.

The distinction between governmental and non-governmental appears to be based on outdated assumptions that first responders are only governmental or not-for-profit entities. This assumption ignores the decisions of state and local governments to contract with private ground ambulance service providers and suppliers to provide 911 or equivalent services. The federal government should respect these local decisions and support all ground ambulance services as first-responders and EMS.

One example of this problem is the FEMA public assistance grant program that reimbursed “first responders” for PPE and other expenses related to the response to COVID-19. When non- governmental (including not-for-profit) emergency ambulance service organizations sought direct reimbursement under the program, they were turned away. This differential treatment impacts communities across the United States, including those in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin, among others.

Appendix A includes list of some of the program the AAA has identified that should reviewed and updated to include non-governmental entities.

The solution to this problem is to use the more inclusive language that the Congress adopted in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. § 101) on non-governmental and governmental entities within the definition of “emergency response providers.” This language provides access to all ground ambulance services and the communities they serve to funding when available to support preparedness and response activities.

 

III.               Conclusion

On behalf of ground ambulance service organizations of the AAA, I want to thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the PAHPA. We look forward to working with your team as you continue develop these policies.

 

Sincerely,

Randy Strozyk President

Appendix A: Grant Program for Review

ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT (AFG)

http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/faq/08/faq_emer.aspx#q1

The grant program prohibits “for-profit” organizations from applying for grant funding.

STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER)

Retrieved from http://www.firegrantsupport.com/safer/faq/08/faq_elig.aspx#q1

Only fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations are eligible for SAFER grants.

FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS

$45B to reimburse activities such as medical response, procurement of PPE National Guard deployment, coordination of logistics, implementation of safety measures, and provision of community services. According to FEMA, these funds will cover overtime and backfill costs; the costs of supplies, such as disinfectants, medical supplies and PPE; and apparatus usage. (The federal government will cover 75% of these costs.) NAEMT recommends FEMA’s new sheet on FEMA’s Simplified Public Assistance Application. In addition, you should consult with their state emergency managers to begin the process of being reimbursed. Eligible to apply: Public and some non-profit services.

Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant Program

The Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant (EMBAG) program provides non- disaster funding to support developing, maintaining, and revising voluntary national-level standards and peer-review assessment processes for emergency management and using these standards and processes to assess state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management programs and professionals.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack.

SIREN ACT

The Siren Act supports public and non-profit rural EMS agencies through grants to train and recruit staff, fund continuing education, and purchase equipment and supplies from naloxone and first aid kits to power stretchers or new ambulances.

ASPR – NATIONAL BIOTERRORISM HOSPITAL PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM

Eligibility requirements exclude for-profit private EMS.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS’ DEATH BENEFIT

Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act of 2011 (S. 1696).

Added non-profits (but still excluded for profits) in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) program. This legislation extended the federal death benefit coverage to paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who work for a private non-profit emergency medical

services (EMS) agency and die in the line of duty and thank you for including the language of the Dale Long Emergency Medical Service Providers Protection Act (S. 385) in this new bill. Congress established the Public Safety Officer Benefit program to provide assistance to the survivors of police officers, firefighters and paramedics and emergency medical technicians in the event of their death in the line of duty. The benefit, however, currently only applies to those public safety officers employed by a federal, state, or local government entity and non-profits.

URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) & METROPOLITAN MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM (MMRS)

Retrieved from http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/Portals/0/CountyCoordinators/Grants/FFY09HSGPguida nce.pdf

Inclusion of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Providers

DHS requires State and local governments to include emergency medical services (EMS) providers in their State and Urban Area homeland security plans. In accordance with this requirement, and as States, territories, localities, and tribes complete their application materials for the FY 2009 HSGP, DHS reminds our homeland security partners of the importance for proactive inclusion of various State, regional, and local response disciplines who have important roles and responsibilities in prevention, deterrence, protection, and response activities. Inclusion should take place with respect to planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise efforts. Response disciplines include, but are not limited to: governmental and nongovernmental emergency medical, firefighting, and law enforcement services; public health; hospitals; emergency management; hazardous materials; public safety communications; public works; and governmental leadership and administration personnel.

INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS GRANTS

Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/iecgp/index.shtm

Eligibility and Funding

The Governor of each State and territory has designated a State Administrative Agency (SAA), which can apply for and administer the funds under IECGP. The SAA is the only agency eligible to apply for IECGP funds.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM (CEDAP)

Retrieved from http://ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/cedap_factsheet_2008.pdf

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include law enforcement agencies, fire, and other emergency responders who demonstrate that the equipment will be used to improve their ability and capacity to respond to a major critical incident or work with other first responders. Awardees must not have received technology funding under the Urban Areas Security Initiative, or the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program since Oct. 1, 2006. Organizations must submit applications through the Responder Knowledge Base (RKB) website at www.rkb.us.

NEMSAC | Private and Fire-based EMS: Join the National EMS Advisory Council

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

Interested in Applying for NEMSAC?

Please contact the American Ambulance Association at info@ambulance.org.

Private and Fire-based EMS: Join the National EMS Advisory Council

Applications for two-year term are due April 13, 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking applications for appointment to the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). Joining NEMSAC is an ideal way to be a part of the national conversation on issues impacting the EMS community.

Applications must be received on or before 5 p.m. EDT, April 13, 2023.

Learn More

About NEMSAC

NEMSAC was established by the DOT to provide information, advice and recommendations on matters relating to all aspects of the development and implementation of EMS and 911. The Council is made up of 25 members representing sectors of the EMS and 911 communities. The broad-based membership ensures representation of sufficient EMS system expertise, as well as geographic and demographic diversity, to accurately reflect the EMS community as a whole.

Qualifications

Members will be selected for their ability to reflect a balanced representation of interests from across the EMS community. Qualified individuals interested in serving on the NEMSAC are invited to apply by submitting the required materials outlined in the Federal Register Notice.

NEMSAC is seeking to fill the following vacancies:

  • Private EMS
  • Fire-based EMS

Applications for membership should be submitted by the deadline to:

Email: NEMSAC@dot.gov

Mail: Use only overnight mail such as UPS or FedEx to:

U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Emergency Medical Services
Attn: NEMSAC c/o Clary Mole
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E., NPD 400, W44-321
Washington, D.C. 20590

For further details about the application process or committee-related questions, contact Clary Mole with the NHTSA Office of EMS at Clary.Mole@dot.gov or 202-868-3275. Visit EMS.gov for more information on NEMSAC.

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

EMS.Gov | NOFO 2023 Rural EMS Training Grant Program

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

Notice Of Funding Opportunity for 2023 Rural EMS Training Grant Program

Applications due May 1, 2023
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2023 Rural EMS Training Grant Program. There have been important revisions to the amount of funding available and the anticipated number of awards that will be granted.

SAMHSA encourages rural EMS agencies (both fire-based and non-fire based) operated by a local or tribal government, as well as rural non-profit EMS agencies, to apply.

Review the NOFO announcement for a full description of the training program, eligibility information and award details. All applications are due May 1, 2023.

Apply Here

The goal of this SAMHSA program is to recruit and train EMS personnel in rural areas with a particular focus on addressing substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) substance use and mental disorders. Grant recipients will be expected to train EMS personnel on SUD and COD, trauma-informed, recovery-based care for people with such disorders in emergency situations and, as appropriate, to maintain licenses and certifications relevant to serve in an EMS agency.

Fitch & Associates 2023 EMS Trend Survey

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The 2023 EMS Trend Survey explores issues tied to provider recruitment and retention, including leadership; health and wellness support; and the impact of staffing shortages on providers’ work and job-related stress. We invite EMS field providers, supervisors, senior leadership and educators from all service types and response areas to participate and share the survey with their colleagues. The questionnaire will only take about 10 minutes to complete. Share your input by March 15, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Your response is confidential and the results, including expert analysis from industry experts from all walks of EMS, will be published in the EMS Trend Report “What paramedics want in 2023” Digital Edition in July, 2023, and shared at the 2023 Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum. The EMS Trend Report is produced by Fitch & Associates and EMS1, in partnership with EMS Survey Team, and the National EMS Management Association. If you have any questions, please email emstrends@fitchassoc.com. 

TAKE THE SURVEY

March 15 | NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Webinars.

NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall:
The Future of Healthcare Policy After the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency: What does it mean for Emergency Medical Services?

March 15th  //  12-1pm ET

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system and has highlighted the need for healthcare reform. As the world moves forward from the pandemic, it is likely that the future of healthcare will be shaped by the need for cost containment while continuing to shift the healthcare delivery system to a more value-based care model.

For the past three years, we have seen new innovative approaches to healthcare delivery including the rapid adoption of telemedicine, and it is expected that this trend will continue in the post-pandemic world. Reimbursement reform continues to be an important issue for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, as it affects their ability to provide high-quality care to patients. Despite the disruption that we have seen for the last three years, the EMS industry has continued to push forward with new innovative approaches to service delivery including the expansion of community paramedicine programs and the implementation of alternative programs like the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) model. During this session, the panelists will discuss the current healthcare landscape, including what innovative programs may be here to stay and what it means for EMS Systems.

Moderator

Jose G. Cabañas, MD, MPH, FAEMS
President, NAEMSP

Panelists

Jonathan Oberlander, PhD
Professor & Chair of Social Medicine and Professor of Health Policy & Management
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Paul Hinchey, MD, MBA, FAEMS
COO for University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio

Larry McMillan, MHA
Chief Compliance Officer & ET3 Project Lead, ​Wake County EMS

Randy Strozyk, MBA
President, American Ambulance Association

Lekshmi Kumar, MD, MPH, FAEMS
Medical Director, Grady EMS

Melissa Kroll, MD
Washington University, St. Louis

NEMSM Board of Directors Announced

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Press.

From the National EMS Museum

In October 2022, The National EMS Museum Board of Directors made a progressive and far-reaching decision to re-image the function and direction of the Museum and its Board of Directors. At that time, the Board decided to announce an initiative to reach out to more communities to recruit a diverse and interested group of leaders that could aggressively move the Museum forward through new strategic initiatives. After an extensive search and interview process conducted by an independent review panel, The National EMS Museum is pleased to announce the new members of The National EMS Museum Board of Directors with skills in EMS, museum management, fundraising and sponsorship development:

Larry J. Appel, M.B.A., EMT joins the NEMSM Board of Directors with 45 years of experience in EMS as an EMT.  His experiences include non-profit director, business owner, manager of several Maryland-based commercial ambulance services, paid 911 EMS provider, V.P. of Ambulance Sales for FR Conversions, and currently the EMS Business Development Manager for Bioquell (An Ecolab Solution).

Fred Claridge is retired and living in North Carolina after a 41-year career in EMS and emergency management. He served as a field provider, EMS instructor, and administrator, including directing one of the largest EMS systems in the country, as well as service as an emergency planner. Additionally, Fred has served as the inaugural editor of the EMS Historian: The Journal of The National EMS Museum.

Fred is serving at the National EMS Museum Vice President, 2023-2025

Elyssa Gonzales is a Master of Arts candidate at Johns Hopkins University for Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management with an additional focus on understanding museum operations and the continuing value to their communities. Her interests lay in supporting the building and/or restructuring museums from the ground up and to help museums find their unique way of supporting their communities.

J. Sam Hurley, MPH, EMPS, NRP currently serves as the Director of Maine’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Sam began his career in EMS in North Carolina at a small rural volunteer fire department and subsequently continued his involvement with EMS throughout his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduate school at Emory University, where he worked for Grady Health System in downtown Atlanta.

Cindy Kessler holds a Bachelors of Science in Design and has worked in various positions with museums, aquariums, and nonprofit organizations for the better part of three decades. Outside of her nonprofit work, Cindy is an avid singer, having performed at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. She is also a writer and artist, and enjoys directing youth theater performances in her spare time.

Cindy is serving at the National EMS Museum Secretary, 2023

Christopher Montera has more than 34 years of experience in Paramedic Services, Public Health, and the Fire Service. He is the Director of State and Federal Programs for ESO and the former Chief Executive Officer at Eagle County Health Service District and holds a Master’s in Health Leadership.

Chris is serving at the National EMS Museum Treasurer, 2023

Gary M. Schindele has been an EMT for 47 years and is a leading subject matter expert in the field of emergency preparedness design and implementation and serves as a member of the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition. Gary also volunteers as the Public Affairs Officer for the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps youth program. Gary is also the President and Owner of Paladin Healthcare LLC which manufactures the original Fairfield Equipment Rail, once the standard for Equipment Management in most ambulances back in the late 70’s and 80’s.

Dave Zaiman has been in and around EMS for over 30 years. He spent 15 years working in the field as an EMT, EMD, and Paramedic. Dave finished his career at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis MN. Since then, Dave has held several leadership roles in the healthcare technology industry. Dave currently serves as Pulsara’s VP Sales – Midwest.

Dave is serving at the National EMS Museum President, 2023-2025

Alan DeYoung is the current Executive Director of the Wisconsin EMS Association with a passion for strategic development and business marketing.  Alan will serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President, 2023-2025.

The Board of Directors will continue to be supported by Kristy Van Hoven (Museum Director), Tom Scott (Accounting), and the incredible volunteers of this organization. We invite anyone interested in volunteering to reach out to the Board of Directors at board@emsmuseum. org or Kristy at director@emsmuseum. org.

The National EMS Museum is a volunteer-led organization that collects, preserves, and shares the history of emergency medical response in the United States to celebrate the contributions of providers across the country and inspire future professionals to take up the call. To learn more about The National EMS Museum, please visit emsmuseum.org.

NREMT | In Memoriam: Rocco V. Morando leaves a rich legacy for EMS

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, News.

 
Rocco V. Morando, the Founder and first Executive Director of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on the morning of February 21, 2023 after a prolonged illness. He was 95.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our organization’s founder,” Bill Seifarth, the current executive director of the organization announced to his staff and board this afternoon. “Rocco Morando was a luminary in the EMS profession and was instrumental in helping shape the lifesaving system we know today. His legacy will continue to provide inspiration for years to come, and we are grateful for his contributions.”

On June 4, 1970, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians was established following the recommendation of a task force assembled under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Committee on Highway Traffic Safety. Morando was selected as the National Registry’s founding executive director in 1971 and held that position for nearly two decades.

During his career at the National Registry, Morando oversaw a number of accomplishments, including: the first basic NREMT-A examination administered simultaneously to 1,520 ambulance personnel at 51 test sites throughout the United States (1971);  the first recertification of Nationally Registered EMTs based on re-evaluation of skills (1973); the development of the first national paramedic curriculum in conjunction with leading EMS agencies and the University of Pittsburgh (1976-77);  and the first NREMT-Paramedic examination (1978); the development of the first NREMT-Intermediate curriculum  and examination (1980).

Upon his retirement on December 31, 1988, Morando was honored with a celebration attended by hundreds of friends and representatives from national EMS organizations. The National Registry’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio was renamed the Rocco V. Morando Building that same year.

The Rocco V. Morando Lifetime Achievement Award, named in his honor, recognizes a lifetime of commitment, contributions and leadership to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The award is presented by the National Association of EMTs and is sponsored by the National Registry.

Current and former employees, along with those throughout the EMS community, send their thoughts and condolences to Rocco’s family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are still being made at this time. More information will be available on the funeral home’s website.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This e-mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at (614) 888-4484 and also indicate the sender’s name. Thank you, National Registry of EMTs.
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RFP | Leadership Development & Education Preferred Partner

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, Events.

Preferred Partner Proposal

Leadership Development & Education

Released February 15, 2023 | Responses Due March 17, 2023

Overview

The American Ambulance Association is a national trade association that serves ambulance services of all types and sizes. Our primary membership is comprised of leadership level representatives from organizations, including CEOs, owners, directors and managers.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

The American Ambulance Association board and its members are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to every patient regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and/or on the basis of differing ability. We dedicate time, thought, and resources to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect within the Emergency Medical Services workforce and leadership. Together, we save and sustain the lives of community members.

Preferred Partner Program

The American Ambulance Association is seeking a preferred partner in the leadership development and education space; experience working with EMS systems, agencies, and individuals is required. The preferred partner program is a minimum of two years (ending in December of 2024) with the opportunity to renew for an additional year.

 

The goals of this Preferred Partner Program are:

  • Provide AAA members with a vetted, comprehensive, industry focused option for leadership development & education option that addresses the needs of all levels; new supervisor to experienced executives.
  • Provide a more diverse, fresh perspective in our leadership offerings, including webinars and sessions at our annual conference & trade show.
  • Enhance our leadership-themed content including website articles and social and blog posts, newsletters, and quick-take videos.

Structure

The American Ambulance Association is prepared to offer its preferred leadership development and education partner the following:

  • Direct marketing of program and course offerings to the AAA members
  • Opportunities to share information and promote programs through newsletter articles, blog posts, social posts, and quick take videos
  • Two 60-minute webinars per calendar year
  • Influence on a leadership track at our annual conference and tradeshow
  • Opportunity to develop an executive leadership retreat for the AAA

The American Ambulance Association expects the following from its preferred partners:

  • Clear communication and timely responses
  • Creativity, a willingness to learn and grow together
  • Exceptional customer service for our valued members
  • Responsiblity for the development of all materials

Financial Incentives

The firm selected will

  • A Pre-Conference at the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show – all registration fees collected for the pre-conference will be given to the preferred partner.
  • All the fees collected from the Leadership Education Webinar series will be given to the preferred partner.
  • In 2024 -the development of an executive leadership training series with all expenses paid by the parrtner and all fees given to the partner.

Minimum Requirements

Individuals and organizations responding to this opportunity should meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Offer a comprehensive family of programs that address multiple levels of leadership
  • Take an active approach to, and offer coaching on, diversity, equity, and inclusion in EMS
  • Be able to provide references and examples of program success/value
  • Be widely available, accessible to all AAA members
  • Seek and maintain Affiliate Membership in the Association for the duration of the partnership
  • Sponsor and Exhibit at the Annual Conference and Tradeshow for the duration of the partnership
  • Indemnify the Association against all legal action that may arise out of the partnership
  • Provide the AAA with a quarterly report detailing utilization/participation by AAA Members
  • Provide members with a quality service/product at a savings compared to the open market.

Selection Process and Timeline

Interested parties should submit a written proposal that specifically defines the products and services offered to mbianchi@ambulance.org no later than March 17, 2023. The timeline for the process regarding the review of and Proposals to the selection is as follows:

  1. RFP distributed widely to potential organizations and consultants – February 15, 2023
  2. Questions and comments submitted to AAA Executive Committee – February 20-28, 2023
  3. Proposals Due – March 17, 2023
  4. Committee reviews proposals, interviews top two proposals – March 20-29, 2023
  5. Leadership Edcuation Partner selected – March 31, 2023

 

 

As a non-profit, vendor-neutral organization, the AAA does not formally endorse any product, service, or company. The AAA may provide statement or support for activities or products on which it has agreed to collaborate. Statements of support may also be provided for non-collaborative products that are of significant public benefit.

CAAS Announces Interim Administrator for Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS)

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, News.

Driven to a Higher Standard

 

 

 

CAAS Announces Interim Administrator for Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS)
For Immediate Release
 

GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS – February 2, 2023 – The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) is pleased to announce that Mark Postma has accepted the position of Interim Administrator for CAAS’s Ground Vehicle Standard.  Mark Postma succeeds Mark Van Arnam, who held the Administrator position from the inception of the Ground Vehicle Standard in 2014.  Van Arnam leaves CAAS to take on the role of President of the REV Ambulance Group.

 

CAAS Chair Dale Berry said “CAAS wishes to extend its deep-felt appreciation for the tremendous contributions that Mark Van Arnam has provided over the last 7 years.  Tapping into his significant industry expertise and passion for creating standards that improve ground vehicle safety, Mark Van Arnam was instrumental in establishing the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard as the emergency transportation’s preferred standard. Our industry is safer because of Mark Van Arnam’s commitment and passion.”

 

In announcing Postma’s new interim role within CAAS, Dale Berry, said; “CAAS is extremely fortunate to have someone with Mark Postma’s experience and leadership abilities to continue the very successful launch and ongoing development of the Ground Vehicle Standard.  Mark Postma has been the CAAS GVS Committee Co-Chair since 2016 and has a depth of knowledge that ensures a seamless transition.  Mark Postma started as a paramedic over 40 years ago and continues as an esteemed leader in the EMS field.”

 

About the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS)

 

Starting in 2014, CAAS established a Vehicle Standard Committee to develop consensus-based ground ambulance vehicle standards called GVS. Thanks to the hard work of this broad-based committee, the third significant update to the standard, GVS 3.0, was released in July 2022.
With the release of GVS 3.0, CAAS has strengthened its position as the leader in emergency vehicle standards. The CAAS GVS Standard is designed for use by EMS regulators and providers for use in their vehicle requirement processes.

 

The new ambulance vehicle section of GVS V3.0 contains updates and edits from the prior version, and includes the latest safety, quality, and compliance requirements for new production ambulances. In addition, GVS V3.0 contains a comprehensive Remount Standard. The GVS Remount Standard provides minimum requirements for both Remounters and Remounted Ambulances, including specific requirements for vehicle production processes and quality control.

 

About the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)

 

The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) was established in 1993 to encourage and promote quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system.  CAAS is an independent Commission that established a comprehensive series of standards for the ambulance service industry.

CAAS accreditation signifies that an ambulance service has met the “gold standard” determined by the ambulance industry to be essential in a modern emergency medical services provider. These standards often exceed those established by state or local regulation.  The CAAS standards are designed to increase operational efficiency and clinical quality, while decreasing risk and liability to the organization.
CAAS is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer (ASD).

 

 

 
Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)

1926 Waukegan Road Phone: (847) 657-6828
Suite 300 Fax: (847) 657-6825
Glenview, Illinois E-mail: CAAS Staff
60025-1770 Website: www.caas.org

CMS Innovation Center Releases Additional Model Data

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

CMS is pleased to announce the availability of Research Identifiable Files (RIFs) and Public Use Files (PUFs) for two CMS Innovation Center models.

CMMI Model Data Sharing (CMDS) Model Participation Files

CMS is releasing new participation data for the following models:

These models join the 10 models that released data in 2022, bringing the total to 12 models represented in the CMMI Model Data Sharing (CMDS) model participation files. Each model in the release will include a set of three files, one per participant type (entity, provider, beneficiary). Each set of files will be updated on a quarterly basis, reflecting changes captured for the prior quarter. Quarterly updates will include “full replacement files” and will contain data from the launch of each model to the current quarter. The group of models for which files are available will expand over time to include additional models.

To get information about the participating models and data files, please visit the CMMI Model Data Sharing Model Participation Data Initiative page.

Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model Data

Additionally, CMS is announcing the availability of new Research Identifiable Files (RIFs) for the 2018-2020 performance years for the Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model. Two RIFs are available for each model year:

  1. The CEC Beneficiary RIF contains enrollment data for beneficiaries in the CEC Model for a given model year
  2. The CEC Provider RIF contains identifying information about the providers participating in the CEC Model for that year.

CMS will also be releasing the Public Use Files (PUFs) for performance years 4 and 5 on the CEC website. These files contain public information about the model participants and their performance. For more information on the model visit https://innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/comprehensive-esrd-care.

Follow us on Twitter | Visit the CMS Innovation Center website

 

REV | Ambulance Industry Veterans to Lead Manufacturing Group

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News.

Press Release

BROOKFIELD, WI – January 31, 2023 – The long-time ambulance manufacturing team of
Mark Van Arnam and Randy Hanson have been selected to lead the REV Ambulance Group.
Mark will serve as President for the Group and Randy will function as Chief Operating Officer.
“Mark and Randy have worked together in our company’s ambulance operations for over 35
years” stated Paul Bamatter, Chairman of REV Group’s Board of Directors. “They are well
known as the leading ambulance team in the business.”

The REV Ambulance Group is the largest ambulance manufacturing corporation in the industry,
and consists of legendary brands AEV, Horton, Leader, Road Rescue and Wheeled Coach.
“Our main objective is to provide our customers and dealers the high-quality vehicles that they
need and that we are known for,” Bamatter added. “We believe this new leadership team will
take our ambulance group to the next level.”

###

About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and
related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the
United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They
provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public
services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial
infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational
vehicles). REV Group's diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands,
including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group's
brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years.
REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG.

Media:
Julie Nuernberg
Director of PR & Social Media
+1.262.389.8620 (mobile)
julie.nuernberg@revgroup.com

OMB PHE Update | May 11

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Executive, Government Affairs, Legislative, Regulatory.

January 30, 2023
(House Rules)

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
H.R. 382 – A bill to terminate the public health emergency
declared with respect to COVID-19
(Rep. Guthrie, R-KY, and 19 cosponsors)

H.J. Res. 7 – A joint resolution relating to a national emergency
declared by the President on March 13, 2020
(Rep. Gosar, R-AZ, and 51 cosponsors)
The COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) were declared by the Trump Administration in 2020.  They are currently set to expire on March 1 and April 11, respectively.  At present, the Administration’s plan is to extend the emergency declarations to May 11, and then end both emergencies on that date.  This wind-down would align with the Administration’s previous commitments to give at least 60 days’ notice prior to termination of the PHE.

To be clear, continuation of these emergency declarations until May 11 does not impose any restriction at all on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19.  They do not impose mask mandates or vaccine mandates.  They do not restrict school or business operations.  They do not require the use of any medicines or tests in response to cases of COVID-19.

However, ending these emergency declarations in the manner contemplated by H.R. 382 and H.J. Res. 7 would have two highly significant impacts on our nation’s health system and government operations.

First, an abrupt end to the emergency declarations would create wide-ranging chaos and uncertainty throughout the health care system — for states, for hospitals and doctors’ offices, and, most importantly, for tens of millions of Americans.  During the PHE, the Medicaid program has operated under special rules to provide extra funding to states to ensure that tens of millions of vulnerable Americans kept their Medicaid coverage during a global pandemic.  In December, Congress enacted an orderly wind-down of these rules to ensure that patients did not lose access to care unpredictably and that state budgets don’t face a radical cliff.  If the PHE were suddenly terminated, it would sow confusion and chaos into this critical wind-down.  Due to this uncertainty, tens of millions of Americans could be at risk of abruptly losing their health insurance, and states could be at risk of losing billions of dollars in funding.  Additionally, hospitals and nursing homes that have relied on flexibilities enabled by the emergency declarations will be plunged into chaos without adequate time to retrain staff and establish new billing processes, likely leading to disruptions in care and payment delays, and many facilities around the country will experience revenue losses.  Finally, millions of patients, including many of our nation’s veterans, who rely on telehealth would suddenly be unable to access critical clinical services and medications.  The most acutely impacted would be individuals with behavioral health needs and rural patients.

Second, the end of the public health emergency will end the Title 42 policy at the border.  While the Administration has attempted to terminate the Title 42 policy and continues to support an orderly lifting of those restrictions, Title 42 remains in place because of orders issued by the Supreme Court and a district court in Louisiana.  Enactment of H.R. 382 would lift Title 42 immediately, and result in a substantial additional inflow of migrants at the Southwest border.  The number of migrants crossing the border has been cut in half, approximately, since the Administration put in place a plan in early January to deter irregular migration from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti.  The Administration supports an orderly, predictable wind-down of Title 42, with sufficient time to put alternative policies in place.  But if H.R. 382 becomes law and the Title 42 restrictions end precipitously, Congress will effectively be requiring the Administration to allow thousands of migrants per day into the country immediately without the necessary policies in place.

The Administration strongly opposes enactment of H.R. 382 and H.J. Res. 7, which would be a grave disservice to the American people.
* * * * * * *

 

This statement is online here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SAP-H.R.-382-H.J.-Res.-7.pdf

###

NACRHHS | Access to EMS in Rural Communities Policy Brief

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Patient Care.

Access to Emergency Medical Services in Rural Communities: Policy Brief and Recommendations to the Secretary
Provides an overview of issues related to the provision of emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas. Discusses rural EMS access, financing, and workforce challenges, as well as promising telehealth innovations. Outlines federal programs and resources that support EMS programs. Offers policy recommendations related to access to EMS, workforce, and reimbursement.

Download PDF

Source: HRSA via RuralHealthInfo.org

NAEMT 2022 National Report on Engagement and Satisfaction in EMS

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Human Resources, Recruitment & Retention.

From the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
NAEMT is pleased to present the results of our 2022 National Survey on EMS Workforce Engagement and Satisfaction. Earlier this year, NAEMT asked our members and other EMS practitioners about various aspects of their jobs, including pay, how well supported they feel by employers, and if they had plans to leave the profession. In nearly 1,300 responses, EMS practitioners painted a picture of a workforce that remains dedicated to caring for patients and serving the community, but is under a high degree of strain. They also shared their ideas for how EMS agencies could improve engagement and satisfaction. We thank the following members of NAEMT’s EMS Workforce Committee for their contributions to the survey: Robert Luckritz, Aaron Florin, Garrett Hedeen, Julius Jackson, Lawson Stuart, Mark Ponder, Mike Szczygiel and Mike Thomas. NAEMT also thanks FirstNet, Built with AT&T, for its generous sponsorship of the report.

 

Read Report

Savvik | 5.11 Boots 25% off Retail

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ.

Cost Collection is coming. Is your organization prepared?

Join the workshop and stay tuned for more!

The Cost Collection workshops are also coming to

  • St. Charles, MO – February 8th, 2023
  • Little Rock, AR – February 9th, 2023
  • Oklahoma City, OK – February 15th, 2023
  • Myrtle Beach, SC – March 1st, 2023
  • Wilmington, NC – March 8th, 2023
  • North Canton, OH – March 25th, 2023

We’ll see you there!
ReNew BioMedical saves the life of live-saving equipment.

ReNew performs testing, maintenance, and repair on your life-saving equipment. Trust the skilled hands of their highly trained technicians to get the equipment you need working the way you need it to.

ReNew’s Offered Services:

  • Personal support for your staff, reducing your labor and training costs
  • Annual Preventive Maintenance (PM)
  • Teletech to get you in touch with an experienced biomedical tech
  • On-Site Service via their traveling depots that service the country
  • Access to an asset management portal, which allows you to track multiple outposts, regulate hundreds of units, schedule maintenance, track work orders, and much more
  • Free unit evaluation/estimate, and free return shipping after repairs
  • Each unit is serviced by a skilled and certified biomedical technician to ensure each unit meets factory and FDA specifications
  • Service includes documentation that satisfies regulatory reporting requirements
  • Access to a robust replacement part inventory and equipment rental program

Facebook
Linkedin
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Website

About us
Savvik is a non-profit formed to reduce financial impact within the Public Safety industry. Our mission is to provide members with a mechanism to achieve cost reductions – valuing quality supplies and equipment for members at the industry’s best prices.

GAPBAC Meeting Postponed

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

The first meeting (virtual) of the Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee scheduled for January 17 and 18 has been postponed. According to CMS, the meeting is being postponed due to “operational impediments”. We will let you know the new dates for the meeting when announced by CMS.

Prehospital Emergency Care | 2022 Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prehospital Care

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care.

From Prehospital Emergency Care

Introduction

Multiple national organizations and federal agencies have promoted the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) for prehospital care. Previous efforts have identified opportunities to improve the quality of prehospital guidelines and highlighted the value of high-quality EBGs to inform initial certification and continued competency activities for EMS personnel.

Objectives

We aimed to perform a systematic review of prehospital guidelines published from January 2018 to April 2021, evaluate guideline quality, and identify top-scoring guidelines to facilitate dissemination and educational activities for EMS personnel.

Methods

We searched the literature in Ovid Medline and EMBASE from January 2018 to April 2021, excluding guidelines identified in a prior systematic review. Publications were retained if they were relevant to prehospital care, based on organized reviews of the literature, and focused on providing recommendations for clinical care or operations. Included guidelines were appraised to identify if they met the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) criteria for high-quality guidelines and scored across the six domains of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool.

Results

We identified 75 guidelines addressing a variety of clinical and operational aspects of EMS medicine. About half (n = 39, 52%) addressed time/life-critical conditions and 33 (44%) contained recommendations relevant to non-clinical/operational topics. Fewer than half (n = 35, 47%) were based on systematic reviews of the literature. Nearly one-third (n = 24, 32%) met all NAM criteria for clinical practice guidelines. Only 27 (38%) guidelines scored an average of >75% across AGREE II domains, with content relevant to guideline implementation most commonly missing.

Conclusions

This interval systematic review of prehospital EBGs identified many new guidelines relevant to prehospital care; more than all guidelines reported in a prior systematic review. Our review reveals important gaps in the quality of guideline development and the content in their publications, evidenced by the low proportion of guidelines meeting NAM criteria and the scores across AGREE II domains. Efforts to increase guideline dissemination, implementation, and related education may be best focused around the highest quality guidelines identified in this review.

Read Full Research Paper

Christian Martin-Gill, Kathleen M. Brown, Rebecca E. Cash, Rachel M. Haupt, Benjamin T. Potts, Christopher T. Richards, P. Daniel Patterson & for the Prehospital Guidelines Consortium (2022) 2022 Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prehospital Care, Prehospital Emergency Care, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2143603

US Ambulances for Ukraine

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, News, Press.

As we start the new year, US Ambulances for Ukraine continues to actively seek donated used ambulances from across the United States to send to Ukraine.  Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24, 2022, US Ambulances for Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago has successfully delivered 18 American ambulances to Ukraine, many coming from members of the American Ambulance Association.  In addition, another 10 ambulances and one fire engine are sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and will soon be delivered to Ukraine.  Efforts are currently underway to make the next shipment of donated American ambulances the largest to date.  The goal is to secure 22 ambulances to be shipped in late January or early February, which would bring the total number of donated ambulances from the United States to 50.  If you have an ambulance that is mechanically sound that you are considering retiring or have one that isn’t needed anymore and would like to participate in this effort US Ambulances for Ukraine would love to hear from you.  This group has a proven track record of successfully delivering ambulances to hospitals, military units, NGOs, fire departments and other entities operating in Ukraine. The group also continuously updates donors during the process and provides photographic updates of the ambulances once they have been delivered.  Every donor knows exactly where their ambulance will be donated before it even leaves the United States.

The American Ambulance Association has followed the Twitter feed of US Ambulances for Ukraine @AmbulancesU and encourages you to do so as well.  There you can see the latest updates on their efforts and several images of donated American ambulances in action.  If you are interested in donating an ambulance or would like more information you can reach out to the founder of US Ambulances for Ukraine, Chris Manson, Vice President of Government Relations for OSF HealthCare at Christopher.M.Manson@osfhealthcare.org.  

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