2022: The Year in Review
HMH Announces New Emergency Triage Program For Medicare Patients
Healthcare
On May 22, 2023Hackensack Meridian Health announced that its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs at Hackensack University Medical Center and JFK University Medical Center are participating in the new Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) pilot program. ET3 is an innovative new healthcare delivery model established by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that provides greater flexibility to patients and EMS crews to address emergency healthcare needs of Medicare beneficiaries following a call to 9-1-1. Hackensack Meridian Health was selected by CMS to participate in this new five-year model pilot program.
Under the new voluntary model, patients with certain injuries and illnesses can choose to be transported to an alternative partner, such as an urgent care clinic rather than a hospital emergency department. They may also choose to receive telehealth care by a qualified health care provider where they are located at the time of the 9-1-1 call. Everything needed to conduct the telehealth visit is provided by EMS.
Only certain medical concerns are being included in the program. By only offering these services for minor injuries and medical problems, there is less risk that a serious condition will be missed.
"This program strives to improve quality of care and be more efficient by avoiding unnecessary transport to the emergency department for certain patients with less severe conditions," said Amie Thornton, president, chief hospital executive, JFK University Medical Center.
"The Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport program will allow Medicare beneficiaries in Hackensack University Medical Center's and JFK University Medical Center's EMS service areas to get the most appropriate urgent and emergency care at the right time and place," said Mark Sparta, president, northern region, chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center.
Responding to 911 Calls more EfficientlyWhen a patient with a medical problem or their advocate calls 9-1-1, the EMS providers are required to take the patient to the closest appropriate hospital emergency department, even if they may not ultimately need emergency medical treatment at a hospital. When this happens, patients may incur higher out-of-pocket costs, and they may also use limited hospital bed space, resulting in longer wait times for all patients in need of emergency care.
The Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport Model enables emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and nurses who provide EMS services at Hackensack Meridian Health to offer a person in need of less serious medical attention other options. Patients can choose to go to an urgent care or be treated through telehealth where they are, or if they prefer, they can still choose to be taken to the closest appropriate emergency department.
"Our EMTs, paramedics, and nurses receive special training to identify injuries and illnesses appropriate for the ET3 model program," said Mark Bober, director, JFKUMC EMS. HUMC EMS medical director, Dr. Shaun Patterson, and JFKUMC EMS medical director, Dr. Howard Felderman, are responsible for overseeing the ET3 model protocols. "We reviewed data from hundreds of illnesses and injuries, and specifically chose those with very low risk of hospital admission," said Dr. Patterson. Dr. Felderman said, "Our specially trained crews know that if there are any concerns for a patient's safety, transport to the closest appropriate emergency department is still recommended."
"Our hope," said Michelle Kobayashi, director, HUMC EMS, "is that the ET3 Model will allow patients and their families to choose the care setting that is safest, most convenient, and least expensive."
There are no additional costs to Medicare participants to use the Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport Program. Patients are responsible for whatever portion of a Medicare claim they would normally have to pay.
Participation in the Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport Program is completely voluntary, and patients can choose to be transported to the emergency department instead of urgent care or a telemedicine visit.
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County Recognizes Emergency Medical Service Workers
May 21—Emergency medical services professionals are recognizing EMS Week under the banner of "Where emergency care begins."
The May 21-27 period is a national effort to thank EMTs, paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers for their work — and remind the general public of what they can do to help in an emergency.
According to Kern County Public Health Services, that includes:
—Using the emergency system responsibly and calling 911 only in a true emergency.
—Learning hands-only CPR.
—Downloading the free PulsePoint app. It alerts CPR-trained bystanders when a sudden cardiac arrest occurs in a public place close by. Users can find the victim and begin CPR. The app also tells you where to find automatic external defibrillators nearby. Go to http://kernpublichealth.Com/pulsepoint/.
Public Health collected the following comments from leaders in the field.
"In honor of EMS Week, please join me in thanking and celebrating the brave men and women who fight for the lives of our residents daily as they provide vital, urgent and life-saving care in some of the most vulnerable moments of our lives. Every day, our paramedics, emergency medical services technicians and emergency medical dispatchers are providing services that often mean the difference between life and death. Thank you for your service and sacrifice."
— Brynn Carrigan, director, Kern County Public Health
"Kern County expresses immense gratitude to our medical personnel for your dedication and provision of lifesaving services. Thank you to all the men and women who keep us safe as we celebrate National Emergency Medical Services Week."
— Jeff Flores, Kern County Supervisor, 3rd District and chairman of Kern's Emergency Medical Care Advisory Board
"Your Bakersfield City firefighters will be there in your time of need, whether it's a slip and fall, difficulty breathing, or the birth of our newest citizen. We have proudly served the residents of Bakersfield for the last 144 years and will always be there to ensure the health and welfare of our great community."
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— John Frando, fire chief, Bakersfield Fire Department
"Medical emergencies generally don't get put on hold or occur during 'regular business hours.' That's why every component of Kern County's EMS system operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with specially trained personnel ready to respond to those suffering from sudden illness or injury.
"But once a year, we like to take a symbolic pause in honor of National Emergency Medical Services Week to celebrate the members of our local emergency medical services system. They include the paramedics, EMTs, emergency medical dispatchers, emergency nurses and physicians, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel who come together for every single 9-1-1 request for medical aid.
"Standing behind them is an exceptional team of support staff whose involvement takes place either before, during, or after each call for help.
"This week, if you see a paramedic, firefighter, or any other member of our hometown EMS team, take a moment to thank them for their commitment and dedication to the communities they serve."
— Lavonne C. Hall, president and CEO, Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.
"This week we recognize the life-saving contributions and achievements, as well as the dedication and commitment, of those who serve in Kern County's EMS systems. EMS Week is a time to pause and give thanks to the entire EMS community. Thank you for your service to our citizens and our community!"
— Zachary Wells, deputy chief, Kern County Fire Department
"Every day our Liberty EMTs, paramedics and critical care nurses give all they have physically, emotionally and mentally to each one of their patients. They sacrifice birthdays, holidays and precious time with their families. They fought through the pandemic as frontline workers and continue to feel the pressure in its aftermath. I am so grateful to be a part of such a dynamic, resilient and hard-working team. A 'thank you' isn't enough to express my gratitude for their continued efforts to provide such stellar care to our communities."
— Erin Cocciolone RN, EMT-P, Director of Operations, Liberty Ambulance RRH EMS
Recognize National Emergency Medical Services Week
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A ceremony was held on Monday by the City and County of Honolulu to recognize National Emergency Medical Services Week.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
Mayor Rick Blangiardi honored the city paramedics as well as the city emergency medical technicians for the hard lifesaving work they do.
Honolulu EMS workers are responsible for treating 1 million residents and millions of visitors every year.
According to Honolulu EMS spokesperson, Shayne Enright, "In 2022, Honolulu EMS delivered advanced life-saving medical treatment to more than 85,000 patients and transported nearly 55,000 patients to emergency rooms."
On Oahu, Honolulu EMS has 22 units stationed today.
Oahu EMS history:Ambulances began private service out of Queen's Hospital in 1910 and in 1916 Honolulu Police Department began the city's first ambulance service, according to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.
HPD then hired workers and transferred the ambulances to the health department in 1917.
By 1960, the ambulance was running a 24/7 service and teaching CPR classes to workers.
Dr. Livingston Wong pushes for the advancement of paramedics in the 1970s
1970s:
In 1998 the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Services Department was established.
911 mapping to a caller's location began in 2008.
Click here for more information on the department's history.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
Click here to see the Emergency Medical Services Team.
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