The EMS Director is the individual in charge and responsible for the overall operation of the EMS system, administration and clinical segments. The EMS Director should be the coordinator of EMS resources, an innovator of workable solutions to problems, and a capable administrator or business manager. The utilization of a qualified EMS Director will enhance the success of any EMS system. The EMS Director’s role should be primarily administrative, not patient care. The EMS Director is responsible for the following:
The EMS Director shall be responsible for the fiscal aspects of the system. Prepare and submit invoices to users of the
ambulance service on a monthly basis, then
accomplish actions necessary to assure maximum collection of bills for service including personal contact with debtors and where appropriate, filing actions in small claims court to collect debts. He/she should be cognizant of all avenues of payment for services rendered, particularly those involving third party reimbursement. The EMS director should also consider an alternative of contracting with a billing service to pursue billing and collections.
The EMS Director should have a thorough knowledge of the EMS system and its components. He/she should establish contact with the Emergency Systems of the Oklahoma State Department of Health and take full advantage of the technical assistance available.
The EMS Director, who may or may not be a licensed EMT, should be capable of responding to major incidents to serve as Medical Incident Commander or should have staff available to serve as Medical Incident Commander. A senior EMT could be appointed to this important function. The EMS Director could alsoassist in the care and transport of patients when
necessary to compliment the availability of existing personnel, if a licensed EMT.
Medical direction by physicians is required by statute and rule. Additional assistance from nurses and allied health professionals within the district are valuable allies in building an EMS system. Their expertise and cooperation will be invaluable in acquiring necessary involvement from public officials, civic leaders and the district at large. The EMS Director should establish a good rapport with the medical community to ascertain their needs and solicit their participation in the system.
Public education is a major component of any EMS system. The general public and industry will need instruction in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most will contact the EMS district to obtain this training. If this training is available from the EMS district under the auspices of the American Heart Association or the
American Red Cross, the public relations benefits will be immeasurable.
Education within the EMS system is another major task of the EMS Director. He/she should be familiar with the educational resources available in or near the district. In some areas, it is desirable to appoint an In-house Instructor to provide continuing education to EMTs. It is important to seek guidance from the Emergency Systems at the Oklahoma State Department of Health in this process.
In order for people to use the system, they must be informed of what it does and the reasons for its existence. This can be accomplished by stressing the EMS system’s goals and accomplishments through efficient media relations. The various media channels can be the greatest ally of the EMS system if properly utilized and nurtured.
Maintain records of service utilization and effectiveness to provide necessary data for continuing evaluation of the service thus assuring CQI.
Maintain close working relationships with the EMS contractor to assure that the provisions of the agreement for emergency medical care between the EMS Authority or Board and the EMS provider are met, if applicable.
Maintain working relationships with neighboring EMS providers, and with other emergency service agencies in the area, in provision of communications services and continuing education as well as mutual aid response agreements.
Perform such other administrative duties as may be required by the authority to assure the provision of quality emergency medical care and transportation services to the citizens of the EMS district.
The EMS Director is also the personnel director responsible for selecting and hiring personnel, scheduling shifts and personnel grievances. He/she should have authority to deal with day-to-day personnel matters. This should include hiring and dismissal of employees coupled with an appeal
mechanism before the governing body
available to employees who feel they have been unjustly treated.
The salary established for the EMS Director should be lucrative enough to attract the type of person needed to manage the system and work harmoniously with employees, volunteers, elected officials, civic groups, and the general public. The position of EMS Director is
extremely important. The EMS Director’s task is very demanding - - the wrong person could adversely affect the public confidence in the EMS system’s performance.
Emergency Systems of the Oklahoma State Department of Health work with agency
directors and community leaders to improve and strengthen their services and may be contacted for additional information.