New technologies are improving the quality of care provided by the emergency medical industry and making administration more effective and less costly for municipal fire departments, EMS units, and privately owned first responder companies. Where they once relied on separate software solutions to collect field data, manage patient records, and provide reporting, fire and EMS providers now benefit from web-based, real-time, integrated software solutions that help increase the quality of patient care and improve their overall financial performance.

Here are the top 5 reasons to switch to web-based EMS Software:

1.) Mobility and Ease of Use

Web-based EMS software solutions bring a new level of mobility to emergency medical personnel by giving them instant access to patient records directly over the Internet at anytime and from anywhere using a computer, smart phone or hand-held tablet device. Mobile device integration simplifies the implementation of the software and its use, as both the application and its required data management system remain hosted remotely. Virtual hosting allows agencies to instantly access patient records directly through the device’s default browser without the need to install special apps or make configurations to the device.

2.) Reduced Response Times

Web-based EMS software drastically reduces emergency response times by allowing agencies to schedule their workforce and dispatch apparatus in real-time. Communication is streamlined and as a result, response teams become better organized – both of which increase the overall efficiency of the agency’s operations. In addition, first responders benefit from real-time, accurate patient data that helps them provide fast and effective emergency care.

3.) Reduced costs

Web-based EMS software helps reduce costs by performing many IT functions that were once the sole responsibility of the internal agency. Now, many web-based EMS software companies provide web-based EMS Software as SaaS (Software-As-A-Service), which means that it includes both the application framework and its associated data management requirements all within the same virtually hosted environment. Agencies benefit from the reduced IT costs commonly associated with other EMS approaches including hosting expenses, license fees, additional hardware requirements, upgrade and migration costs, and the additional IT staff needed to maintain their internal systems.

Another huge benefit to agencies is the scalability of web-based EMS software; the size of the system seamlessly scales as the department grows – eliminating the need to perform costly system expansions. Since web-based EMS software is accessible directly through the Internet, agencies also benefit from broad-ranging software integration. Many EMS software companies are making it easier than ever to integrate pre-existing applications into their web-based software packages. In many cases, now EMS software companies offer a “one-stop-shop” integrated processing system that contains all the tools and information necessary to manage the complete patient cycle, from emergency response to claims reimbursement.

4.) Security

Web-based EMS software helps agencies secure their patient data while increasing their level of HIPAA Compliance. Real-time systems provide detailed audit trails that track system access and changes to patient records. Remote hosting also provides agencies with full data center backup and multilevel redundancy off location, which ensures timely and accurate disaster recovery of their information when needed. In addition, agencies can remain confident that their patient records transfer safely and securely throughout the web-based environment as EMS software companies conform to HIPAA best practices for the transfer of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). Finally, unauthorized access to patient data is no longer an issue as many web-based EMS software companies strictly enforce identification, authentication, and encryption policies for these systems that exceed HIPAA standards.

5.) Data Integrity

Web-based EMS software maintains a high level of data quality and improved overall information management by providing enterprise-level, centralized access to reports and other critical, real-time application functions such as billing, HR, and AR management. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of centralized functionality is that web-based EMS systems not only provide instant access in the field, but also maintain consistent, up-to-date data despite frequent modifications to patient records and operational reports.

Web-based EMS software systems are the latest trend in the emergency medical field where information management not only affects the operational costs of the agencies, but also the quality of patient care. Web-based EMS systems now provide agencies with real-time information in an integrated solution that streamline their operations and drastically reduces their costs. Information can now be accessed remotely, across multiple platforms, from anywhere and at any time. Virtual patient records and operational reports remain reliable and up-to-date within cost-efficient remote-hosted systems that provide top-notch information processing, IT support, and security.

If you currently use web-based EMS software for billing, dispatch, patient reports, or healthcare inventory, but would like to learn more about how integrated EMS software solutions can enhance the quality of services that you provide, please fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Have you ever seen an EMS bus before? Even if you attended EMS Update 2012, you might have missed the monster of a life saving machine that was designed by Lower Kiski EMS and pieced together by Sartin Services. Check out this interview with Pete Frejkowski of Lower Kiski as he describes the internal components and features of the rig:

The idea behind the interior of this ambulance bus is that it breaks down into several reconfigurable sections. Toward the front of the bus are racks that have slide out cots and seats behind them (for the walking wounded). Forty ADA compliant tie downs line the bus interior for securing patients. Medical cabinetry is found toward the back part of the ambulance that is also removable. Backboard holders double as biohazard trays and hoses have been installed near these for flushing chemical burns. The rig is also well equipped enough to handle simultaneous cardiac arrests. Most impressively, it comes with a wireless electronics system that allows EMTs to watch all of the patients’ vital signs and EKGs at any given moment.

This is an extremely well thought out emergency vehicle and the guys at Lower Kiski deserve a hand for their role in developing this ambulance bus!  Be sure to check out their department’s website located here.

Could your department ever utilize an EMS bus such as this? Is it overkill or useful? What would you add in your very own EMS bus? Please leave us a comment below!

Beginning on December 16th, 2011, fire departments and other first responders began receiving assistance from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Thus far, over 1,392 grants have been awarded. The largest grant was given to El Cerrito Fire Department in California – which is comprised of three stations, three engines, 37 staff members, and one cross-staff ladder truck. Obviously recognized as a deserving candidate, the department responded to over 2,700 calls in 2010.

“But where is my money?” you might ask. If you’ve applied for this grant, you’ve likely braved some fierce red tape and you deserve at least a little bit of credit for that. The stringent AFG application process demands respect. With one fowl swoop, your application could be denied for something as simple as not using the correct font.

And while the application process has ended for FY 2011, the AFG application deadline for FY 2012 is right around the corner. Here are some tips to keep your application out of the trashcan and moved to the approved pile:

1.) Make use of the resources at your disposal

One of the first places to start looking for information on the AFG grant is from the organization that distributes the money to begin with… FEMA. Visit this link to get the real gist of what is going to asked of you during the application process. You can also call 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov for free help regarding the AFG application process.

You’ll also find a wealth of information about fire and EMS related grants at http://www.emsgrantshelp.com or http://www.firegrantshelp.com/. These are both highly recommended resources to get you on the right track!

**Pro-tip: Use FEMA’s site to check out other grants (SAFER, FP&S, SCG) that your department might qualify for.

2.) Check everything over

This is a simple one – right? Wrong. In the Frequently Asked Questions section of FEMA’s Fire Grant website, the phrase “Once you have submitted your application, you cannot change it.” appears four times. Do you think they get people asking for their applications back? Yes. Don’t be one of them.

3.) Sign up for FEMA’s Fire Grant Newsletter

There’d be nothing worse than missing the deadline for free money- right? Again per FEMA, ” Unfortunately no special consideration will be extended to any applicant that did not submit their application on time.  We’d have to offer the same opportunity to other applicants.  We’d never be able to move forward with the review process.”

This newsletter will keep you informed on everything you need to know about FY 2012′s AFG. Subscribe to it!

4.) Appeal to your community, political leaders, and others to vouch for your organization

This is a great way to establish your credibility with the application review committee. Get at least three well respected individuals to write letters on behalf of your department and send them in to:

Ms. Elizabeth M. Harman, Assistant Administrator
DHS/FEMA/Grants Program Preparedness
Tech World Building – 9th Floor South Tower
800 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20472-3620 Fax 202-786-9938

5.) Make use of excess funds

One of the most common reasons that will make an organization ineligible for funds is that they haven’t utilized money that has been allotted to them in the past. What that means is, if you actually have received money for FY 2011 – make sure you’re spending it! There are plenty of ways to do this.

Did you know that fitness equipment , fitness trainer programs, and medical exams / immunizations for your department are all considered reasonable ways to make use of excess AFG funds? That’s right. Just make sure you’ve got a Wellness and Fitness program in place and you’ll be all set to spend every blessed penny. Page 15 of this document has everything you need to know about the Wellness and Fitness programs FEMA is talking about.

Purchasing additional training is another great way to take advantage of everything the AFG grant has to offer. “All training, justified by the grantee, including Firefighter l and ll certifications, EMS, Driver/Operator, Fire Officer I-IV, Hazmat response, alternative fuel firefighting Incident Command, supervision and safety, CBRNE awareness, performance, planning and management, and train the trainer classes are allowable.” If you’ve got a strong, well trained department – you’ll be well on your way to achieving an El Cerrito level of excellence.

One of the withstanding questions for this next years AFG is… what will be changed? Last year in the Department Characteristics portion, one was asked to indicate the percentage of active firefighters that you currently have trained to NFPA Standard 1001 Firefighter I and Firefighter II. What will be required that wasn’t on this past year’s application? Please leave us a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!