The pros to private-based EMS

After my last post in regards to “fire-based EMS“, I got a few e-mails starting with “what the hell dude?” So I decided to make a post defending my real position on private-based EMS. As most of you know, I work in and favor a private-based single-medic EMS system. My last post was written to make a point that other systems do have their benefits. So here is my rundown on why I prefer a private-based EMS system.

Cost

Private-based EMS is the most cost-effective solution for any municipality. Ambulance companies operate at no cost to the tax-payers unless they actually use the service. In times of financial hardship, it just makes sense.

Contracts

Exclusive operating contracts comes with requirements that must be met in order to continue providing service. These include response time compliance, complaint resolution, QA programs, community service programs and in some cases, minimum staffing. There is a good argument that there is actually more oversight for private companies than public services.

Single Medic

Private ambulances typically run 1 medic per ambulance. This means that each medic does more skills, has more responsibility and runs more calls on their own. For skills like intubation, paramedics need to be performing it as frequently as they can. I do realize that single-medic systems are not unique to private-based EMS, but it is more common amongst those types of systems.

Single Function

One of the biggest reasons that I prefer a private-based ambulance service, is that paramedics employed by these companies are only working as medics. Their roles are not split up by other jobs like firefighting or law enforcement. On top of that, I don’t think that being a firefighter should be a prerequisite to being a paramedic in a 911 system.

I have a few articles out there arguing for private-based EMS systems. If you are interested, check them out.

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Private EMS – The Stepchildren of public safety