SafeTech Solution’s Approach to Rural EMS
Rural emergency medical services across America are in the midst of a dramatic change. Recruiting and keeping volunteers is no longer simple or easy.
Demands on services have increased in terms of public expectations, changing demographics, expenses, transport distances, and disaster preparedness. Leading and managing the rural ambulance service has become more complicated and time consuming. The old, uncomplicated, well-staffed volunteer ambulance service is quickly becoming a thing of the past.
SafeTech Solutions, LLP has extensive experience studying rural EMS and has developed a unique and successful approach to helping organizations, communities and regions manage change. Our approach begins with listening and recognizes the following:
- Most rural EMS developed locally and organically without a mandate and without significant funding;
- Rural EMS is not small urban EMS;
- In many areas it is unclear who is ultimately responsible for providing and funding EMS;
- A rural community’s history of independence and self-sufficiency must be honored;
- Change must be facilitated from within – not imposed from without;
- Developing local EMS leaders is one of the most powerful ways to facilitate change from within;
- Local stakeholders must participate in developing solutions; and
- Approaches to regionalization must begin locally and be built through patient and compassionate facilitation.
Why is Rural EMS Changing
Socioeconomic conditions are limiting rural people’s time and availability to volunteer.
Current volunteers are aging and are not being replaced by enough younger people.
Young people do not view volunteering in the same way as their parents or grandparents did.
Attitudes about community commitment and volunteering are changing (especially in young people).
More is being expected of rural EMS as healthcare consolidates and trauma, cardiac and stroke care becomes regionalized in special care centers (meaning longer transports and more transfers).
The cost of running an ambulance service is increasing faster than funding avenues.
The need to find new sources of rural EMS funding continues to be a challenge.
Expectations for rural ambulance service quality, reporting and performance are increasing.
