2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Emergency Medical Services Office

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section of Emergency Services is designated as the EMS operational program for Frederick County by the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). This designation establishes the authority for EMS operations and quality improvement programs within Emergency Services for Frederick County. As an EMS operational program, the EMS Section is responsible for the administration, supervision, and medical direction of all pre-hospital EMS providers and EMS operational units in the county. The EMS Section also oversees the Mobile Community Healthcare Program, the Quality Assurance Office, and several other programs involving the utilization of EMS clinicians. The EMS operational program is directed by the EMS Medical Director and Associate Medical Director, who play an integral role in all facets of emergency medical services. They serve as advisors on matters related to emergency pre-hospital care, provider remediation, and advanced practice skills, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations are managed by a Battalion Chief, supported by a Captain. Each of the three 24-hour rotating shifts includes two EMS Lieutenants assigned as EMS supervisors. These supervisors provide oversight of EMS operations during emergency incidents and manage the EMS responsibilities of the paramedics on their respective shifts. They also handle patient care inquiries from patients, relatives, nursing homes, hospital staff, or physicians, and act as the 24-hour point of contact for EMS providers facing operational questions or unique situations. Their guidance and assistance are crucial in supporting EMS providers and ensuring operational efficiency. Additionally, EMS supervisors serve as part of the command staff within the Incident Management System (IMS) at emergency incidents of all types across the county. In 2022, the EMS Section established a committee to analyze call data and unit response times, leading to the development of a 5-year plan to enhance Advanced Life Support (ALS) delivery throughout Frederick County. Significant progress has been made under this plan. In September 2023, the first and second phases of the new EMS deployment plan were implemented. By 2024, Phase 3 was executed, which included the full-time staffing of Medic 4 in Frederick City and the addition of a paramedic engine at Station 10 in Thurmont. These advancements have markedly reduced ALS response times in the Thurmont area and improved the availability of ALS resources within Frederick City. In 2024, the EMS Section focused on advancing medical devices and procedures to enhance patient care. Medical ventilators were introduced on EMS supervisor vehicles, providing greater consistency and regulation for patients with severe respiratory issues. Furthermore, IV pumps were deployed across all ALS units to standardize medication administration and minimize dosing errors. These innovations have contributed to the improvement of patient outcomes. The groundwork has also been completed to implement a Low-Titer Whole Blood program, set to launch in early 2025. This initiative will enable the administration of whole blood in pre-hospital EMS settings, offering significant improvements in patient survival rates and outcomes. This cutting-edge program represents a major advancement in the EMS Section’s capabilities. The EMS Section remains committed to enhancing the quality, efficiency, and scope of its services. By focusing on strategic planning, technological innovation, and provider support, the EMS Section ensures that Frederick County’s residents receive the high est standard of emergency medical care.

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