Sahithi Boggavarapu Aurand

The Medical Transportation Committee meeting addressed several key issues, including the EMFTS Strategic Plan with a focus on staffing concerns and standardization of minimal equipment. The committee reviewed attendance requirements and discussed pending legislation, including H.B. 398 and S.B. 220. Updates were provided on the "Guidelines for Interfacility and Critical Care Transport in Ohio" white paper draft. The MoICU transport staffing and types of transports were reviewed, and the finalized draft of the "Alternative Transportation Solution for Behavioral Health Interfacility Transport" white paper was discussed.

The committee discussed several topics, including added competencies for discussion such as Vent Management under 16 years of age, UVC, High Flow N/C- Heated, EVD, A-Line Transducer, CVC, SWAN, IBPs, Continuous Bladder Irrigation, Balloon Pumps, ECMO, LVADS, Impella, Nitrous/Heliox, Transvenous Pacing, Woun-Vac, PCA Pumps, and Nasal Swabs. The Psychiatric Transportation Workgroup presented a list of questions for a survey to be distributed to services. The committee also discussed the types of licenses needed for electric or driverless vehicles, low staffing for EMS and Fire, challenges with getting vehicles, an update on law change, ambulance accreditation standards, NFPA/CAAS, staffing concerns, and telemedicine.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including the approval of online training for the P.A.S.S. driver renewal course. Updates were provided on the Psychiatric Transport Workgroup's progress in reviewing reimbursement. The 2024-2029 EMFTS Board Strategic Plan for Medical Transportation was discussed, focusing on defining transport levels based on patient acuity, standardizing equipment and staffing guidelines, and improving training and recruitment of MTLS Inspectors. The committee also considered proposed rules for non-emergency transport of stable psychiatric individuals and explored options for group purchasing to reduce costs. Additionally, challenges faced by a rural ambulette service and potential new committee members were discussed.

The committee reviewed the use of a BRODA chair in ambulettes, determining it can be used if manufacturer recommendations are followed. Telemedicine was referred to the Medical Oversight Committee. The Psychiatric Transportation Workgroup discussed safe transport options for patients, planning to collaborate with the OHA. The committee also discussed the types of licenses needed for electric or driverless vehicles, low staffing for EMS and Fire, and challenges with getting vehicles. The committee discussed adding NFPA and CAAS accreditation to ambulance standards.

The committee discussed the use of lights and sirens for organ transplant teams, reviewing related legislation in Wisconsin and Illinois, and a bill introduced in Ohio. Updates were provided on the Psychiatric Transport Workgroup's efforts to draft policy on secured sedan transport, including defining qualifications for transport drivers training and differentiating between medical and non-medical necessity. The committee also considered proposed changes for BLS non-emergent transports, focusing on patient condition and needs, and discussed the potential expansion of BLS NEO to include ALS NEO, along with the role of EMRs. Additionally, staffing concerns and preparations for the next 5 years, including the use of drones and atomic vehicles, were addressed.