Interim DC Fire/EMS Chief Brian Lee said today “I am pleased with the progress the DC Fire/EMS Department has made, in the sixty days since Mayor Adrian Fenty took office. This department is working diligently to meet the goals for quality improvement set forth by Mayor Fenty’s 100 day plan.”

Mayor’s Goal – (1) Reinstate the Continuing Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance Program at FEMS (60 days)

DCFEMS Response

• DC Fire/EMS has hired an Assistant Medical Director for Training and Education and a Nurse Quality Coordinator. These newly created positions are part of a comprehensive strategy, designed to improve training, education and quality assurance;
• Patient Survey Cards - Available in both English and Spanish, are being designed and will soon be distributed to all patients after they are transported to the hospital. The information collected will give this department valuable feedback about our performance;
• Web Posting of Essential Documentation – DC Fire/EMS has posted 100 percent of all EMS protocols and training documentation on line, to allow for employee self study and training.

Mayor’s Goal – (2) FEMS Mobile Terminal (MDT) Training and Program Roll-Out (60 days)

DCFEMS Response

• On February 2, 2007 FEMS rolled out 4 additional EMS Units;
• EPCR System ( Electronic Patient Care) - A dozen medical providers have already been cleared by the Medical Director for full usage of the system and 60 additional medical providers are currently completing the training and evaluation process. EPCR will increase the accuracy and completeness of patient documentation in real time;
• Electronic Patient care Reporting will increase the accuracy and completeness of patient documentation in real time;
• This enhances the quality assurance review for all patients who are transported within our system, in the same manner that physician use “Chart Reviews” to evaluate the quality of care provided.