Subject:
Title
Amendment No. 3 to the Ambulance Service Agreement between the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Paramedics Logistics Florida, L.L.C.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of Amendment No. 3 to the Ambulance Service Agreement between the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority and Paramedics Logistics Florida, L.L.C.
• This Amendment eliminates the requirement for the Ambulance Contractor to provide Tactical EMS services.
• Tactical EMS would be provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office under a separate agreement.
• EMS support for the tactical Paramedics will continue and funding will be provided to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office through a Memorandum of Understanding.Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
This Amendment removes the requirement of the Ambulance Contractor to provide Tactical EMS services and removes all references to Tactical EMS from the current Ambulance Service Agreement.
Background/Explanation:
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has had Paramedics embedded in the SWAT Team since the late 1980s. Many lives have been saved or positively impacted to include deputies, police officers and civilians. Pinellas County EMS, through the Ambulance Service Agreement, has provided all aspects of the Tactical EMS Program since its inception.
Laws of Florida, 2019-77, amended 790.25, F.S. to allow Paramedics embedded in SWAT teams to carry firearms. The Sheriff wants the Paramedics to carry firearms.
Staff recommends a Sheriff-County EMS agreement where the Sheriff hires part-time Paramedics and the County continues to provide the program support, but directly through an agreement which supports the operational needs of the Sheriff.
This eliminates the need to have Tactical EMS as a requirement of the Ambulance Service Agreement.
Fiscal Impact:
Under this amendment, funding for tactical paramedic support from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fund would remain at a similar level and be reimbursed to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office instead of being paid to Paramedics Logistics Florida, LLC. Two (2) response vehicles and emergency lighting equipment will be purchased from Paramedics Logistics Florida, LLC for $56,564.58. Paramedics Logistics Florida, LLC will transfer ownership of the vehicles and equipment to the County and assist with the transfer of title. The costs associated with this amendment are consistent with the FY20 Budget estimate and the FY21 Budget request.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this amendment is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
Paramedics Logistics Florida, L.L.C.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Attachments:
2020 Ambulance Service Agreement - Amendment 3
2018 Ambulance Service Agreement - Amendment 2
2016 Ambulance Service Agreement - Amendment 1
2015 Ambulance Service Agreement
Armed Tactical Paramedics Presentation