The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) interim study committee held their first meeting on June 30. The committee is tasked with examining the provision of emergency medical services in the state with a view to addressing the challenges of geographic availability, reliability, and sustainability, and more specifically:
- Obtaining, maintaining, and training staff;
- Providing service in remote areas without ready access to trauma-capable healthcare facilities; and
- Identifying efficiencies and resources necessary to support operations.
The first session was spent gathering information from the Department of Health and EMS providers across the state, including Avel eCare, EMS Association, and ambulance/EMS directors. The main focus was on the struggles that they are all facing today, particularly around reimbursement and staffing issues.
Looking ahead to the next meeting on July 23 Tim Rave, President and CEO of SDAHO, will present on how EMS fits within the healthcare continuum, with an emphasis on facility transfers for both acute and post-acute providers. To listen in or learn more about what is happening with the committee, please visit the South Dakota Legislative Research Council website.
