EMS System Review - State of New Jersey

State of New Jersey, DHSS, OEMSConsulting Services: EMS System ReviewFigure 3: Overall Scores by Focus Groups2.52Scores (1-5)1.510.50EMS EDUCATORNJFACAEROMEDICALADMINISTRATORSCRITICAL CARENJAPEMDsEMS PHYSICIANSNJMTAEMTsPARAMEDICSCOUNTY COORDFIRE CHIEFSFocus GroupThe distribution of scores revealed that M = 1.96, SD = 0.24. The above data indicatethat any identified strengths or weakness are likely to be system-wide issues. We also evaluatedeach component separately.Integration of Health Services – The current EMS delivery model in New Jersey andacross the United States calls for EMS to respond to out-of-hospital emergencies, render care,and deliver the patient to the nearest appropriate emergency department. While this model hasguided the system for years, increased costs, less access, and better knowledge of patient careneeds requires its reevaluation. Taking every patient to an emergency department may be asmuch of a detriment to patients as it is an advantage.The average group score for this component was M = 1.75, SD = 0.55 which isconsidered marginal. Issues raised by the groups included:• Inflexibility in protocols and delivery methods. Patients must be transported to anemergency department. There is no consideration for alternative destinations.• The scope of practice for both ALS and BLS providers is very restrictive.TriData, a Division of 30September 2007System Planning Corporation