NS Contract - Orange County Speedway 2007 EMS Coverage Contract

Browse Search

staff about the requirements for obtaining a county franchise to provide first- responder services at Speedway events. Until the details of such an arrangement can be worked out, County Staff has recommended that the County continue to provide all Emergency Medical Coverage for Speedway events under contract with the Speedway. North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services Rules and Regulations identify the County's role in providing or ensuring the provision of Emergency Medical Services. The County's Franchise Ordinance and EMS System Plan provide a framework for other agencies to assist in providing services. Participation in the provision of medical services is subject to review by County staff and requires the approval of the Board of County Commissioners. The County maintains responsibility for all the service provided in the county, whether it is directly provided by the County or provided by another entity. Speedway Management also suggested during the February 7 meeting that they may request a combination of fee reductions and other arrangements to offset some of the direct contract cost for County EMS coverage. Details of such requests have not yet been provided to County staff, so no analysis of potential costs or service implications is available. There are currently sixteen (16) racing days scheduled this season. The recommended coverage staff consists of two ambulances, one paramedic, three emergency medical technicians, and a senior officer at each race. The ambulances are staffed with either County EMT's or Squad members and the paramedic and senior officer are County staff. The fees for this coverage are based on worst -case overtime cost for each position class and an amount to offset wear and tear on EMS equipment and vehicles. The established fees are $75 per hour for a Paramedic with equipment, $30 per hour for an ambulance vehicle, $30 per hour for each EMT, and $40 per hour for the senior officer. During racing events in calendar year 2006, the Speedway was not charged any fees for the senior officer, who began staffing racing events midway through the season in an effort to improve the coordination of resources. The contract also calls for payment of an additional one hour of travel time per person per event above the actual time on scene at the Speedway. The racing season is advertised to begin on March 10, 2007. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The established fees are based on full cost recovery at an overtime staffing rate, and should offset the personnel and vehicle use costs. Speedway coverage has an impact on the administrative workload for both the Emergency Management and Revenue Departments. Any reduction in fees or alternative arrangements may result in the transfer of direct County cost for EMS coverage from the Speedway to the regular operating budget for the County EMS, which may reduce the effectiveness of countywide EMS operations. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached contract and authorize the Chair to sign the contract for providing EMS services at established fees based on full -cost recovery, contingent upon final review by staff and the County Attorney.