2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Emergency Medical Services Office (continued)

Quality Assurance Office

The Quality Assurance (QA) Office plays a vital role in maintaining high- quality care within Frederick County’s EMS programs. By collaborating with the Medical Review Committee (MRC), a group mandated by COMAR Title 30 and organized under MIEMSS, the QA Office ensures continuous improvement in EMS operations. The MRC independently reviews incidents, identifies areas for improvement, and oversees quality enhancement programs. As Frederick County’s population grows, the demand for EMS services rises. The QA Office is committed to meeting this challenge by implementing innovative and cost-effective strategies to improve efficiency and ensure exceptional care for residents and visitors. One key achievement is the adoption of a new case tracking system powered by Smartsheet. This platform has transformed clinician interactions by automating form distribution, tracking submission statuses, and sending timely notifications. Clinicians can now easily report protocol errors and request follow-ups on patient cases using a user-friendly form accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. These features provide valuable learning opportunities and enhance clinicians’ preparedness for future EMS responses. Looking ahead, the QA Office plans to introduce a station officer review process for EMS reports. This initiative will give front-line supervisors better tools to assess report quality and address issues quickly and effectively. In 2024, the QA Office reviewed 10,053 EMS reports and initiated corrective actions in 1,456 cases. These efforts reflect the office’s dedication to providing superior EMS care and adapting to the evolving needs of Frederick County’s growing community.

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