Subject:
Title
Amendment No. 1 to the Advanced Life Support First Responder Agreement with the City of St. Pete Beach.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority, approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Agreement with the City of St. Pete Beach.
Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk to attest.
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.
Summary:
The City of St. Pete Beach (City) has requested Rescue 22 be designated as an EMS Authority-funded ALS First Responder Unit. If approved, the EMS Authority would provide funding for one (1) additional Firefighter/Paramedic position (24/7) to augment the existing EMS Authority-funded Firefighter/Paramedic (24/7) position. This would allow the existing Advanced Life Support (ALS) Engine to be upgraded to an EMS Authority-funded Rescue Unit. The additional position will cost $210,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2016. The EMS Authority would provide funding for a Rescue Unit following the standard reimbursement methodology in Fiscal Year 2017. The Rescue Unit will also serve as a “water rescue utility” vehicle to improve water rescue response capability. During FY 2015, there were approximately 40 Water Rescue or Drowning incidents responded to in the St. Pete Beach area. The closest fire rescue marine resources are responding from the St. Petersburg and Treasure Island districts.
Background Information:
From the early 1980s until 2009, the City operated and the EMS Authority reimbursed the costs of operating Rescue 22 to serve the Pass-a-Grille area of St. Pete Beach. In Fiscal Year 2010, the City voluntarily reduced its EMS funding request, placed the Rescue Unit out of service and began operating an ALS Engine. At this time, the City has requested the EMS Authority restore funding to allow Rescue 22 to be placed back into service. Adding the unit will augment EMS and Fire Protection coverage in the service area.
Resolution 09-37, Section V, allows “Any provider of EMS services which believes that this methodology results in a reduction below the levels of service which existed on January 1, 1989 may present evidence of the level of service it provided on that date for consideration by the Authority in its determination of appropriate level of service for the provider.” County staff has confirmed that the unit was operating in 1989.
Fiscal Impact:
FY16 Expenditure = $1,587,438.82
FY17 Expenditure = $1,613,631.56
Staff Member Responsible:
Michael Cooksey, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
City of St. Pete Beach