Blake Braden: OSFA EMS Committee Report

It has been a busy year on the EMS subcommittee. There have been multiple bills introduced to the House and Senate that we have been following that pertain to our fire-based EMS departments. These have sparked great discussion and areas we can help improve upon as a State. Members of the OSFA staff and the subcommittee met with Senator Todd Gollihare to discuss ways to make his Active Shooter Bill work for all agencies.

Another conversation we have discussed was about the possibility of Community Paramedicine in Oklahoma. This need was voiced by one department about the length of time their engine companies are waiting for ambulances.

Another department said this would allow the decrease in call volume by lowering the readmission rates. There were reports of some education departments trying to bring this training to Oklahoma.

With the dry conditions and heavy winds, we hope that everyone is pre-hydrating for the potential fires or rescues waiting around the corner. If you do find your agency in an extended scene or disaster, remember there are resources that can be activated for rehab.

Contact your local Oklahoma MERC about resources in your area. Stay Safe!