City Council Meeting Date: September 17, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Presentation of Northfield Hospital + Clinics State Licensure Change for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) State Licensure to full-time Basic Life Support license with part-time Advanced Life Support License.
Body
Action Requested:
The Council will receive a presentation under this agenda item.
Action for a letter of support is included in the consent agenda.
Summary Report:
Briefly, NH+C proposes to shift their state licensure for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to full-time Basic Life Support license with part-time Advanced Life Support license. Brian Edwards, Northfield Hospital + Clinics EMS Chief will be at the meeting to present this information and request (see attached presentation slides).
The Northfield City Council is being requested to provide a letter of support related to a recommended change in the State EMS licensure. This action is included under the consent agenda for this meeting and the letter is attached.
NH+C has been licensed at ASL level, which requires having one licensed paramedic on duty in an ambulance 24/7/365. A shortage of paramedics here (and across the U.S.) makes it difficult to meet that legal requirement 24/7/365.
NH+C believe that readjusting our licensure is the best option to continue serving our communities while complying with state statutes.
This change in licensure will not affect the response time, quality of care, or geography for NH+C’s EMS services.
Other communities have or plan to shift their license level to manage paramedic shortages.
Other area organizations and leaders are being sought for letters of support across the region. Attached are those that have been received thus far.
Alternative Options:
None proposed.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Tentative Timelines:
o State Board hearing November 2024