TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract with Wittman Enterprises, LLC to provide billing and collection services for the Basic Life Support ambulance transportation program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Emergency medical services (EMS) transports are divided into two categories:
Advance Life Support (ALS), in which Paramedics provide emergency transport to the hospital for serious cases, and Basic Life Support (BLS), in which a contract ambulance company transports patients for non-life threatening injuries/illnesses. However, Firefighters and Paramedics provide the initial response to all patients and provide the assessment, treatment and preparation of patients for transport. City staff has been studying alternatives over the last three years that would integrate ALS and BLS transports and improve service to the community.
Per the Fire Services optimization study, presented to the City Council in February 2005, "the level of emergency medical services provided to the citizens of Long Beach is commendable and any enhancement would only improve an already high quality service." The optimization study noted that it is in the best interest of the City to assume a larger role in the provision of EMS and supported the recommendation that the Fire Department implement a BLS ambulance transportation program. This integration of BLS and ALS transport will improve customer service by speed of response, level of care and reliability.
The City intends to begin this service in September 2005 as a pilot program. The objective is to improve service to the community and generate revenue to recover emergency services costs. After six months of operation, the Fire Department will report on the program status and revenue receipts. In order to effectively implement this program, assistance is required to process the billing and collection of fees and costs associated with the transports.
The City issued a Request for Proposals for billing and collection...
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