KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, King County Executive Ron Sims announced that the paramedic service in south King County will continue to be provided by King County rather than by fire departments in the area. This decision was based on a recently completed study that examined the feasibility of transitioning paramedic service to Kent Fire Department and the Federal Way Fire Department.
"King County Medic One has provided world-class service in south King County since 1979, currently operates seven paramedic units, and treats more than 10,000 patients per year," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Everyone involved in the study agreed that paramedic care provided by King County Medic One is excellent."
The study was called for in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Strategic Plan, a regional consensus plan that was developed by elected officials, physicians, and fire and EMS experts to provide strategic and operational direction for the regional EMS system. Paramedic service in other areas of King County is provided by local fire service.
"This study took a detailed, objective look at many aspects of the current relationship and the possibilities for transition," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director and Health Officer for Public Health-Seattle & King County. "After looking at all the evidence, the study concluded, and the Executive and I agree, that paramedic service for south King County should continue to be provided by King County government. I thank all the participants of this study for their hard work and dedication to the review process."
Started in 2003, the study allowed the region to examine whether it was feasible and desirable to transition the service to fire departments. The study was carried out by Strategic Learning Resources and a working group of leaders from King County Medic One, fire departments in south King County, physicians, and labor representatives.
The study looked in detail at an enhanced paramedic service alternative provided by King County Medic One (current system plus the addition of a new south King County EMS Council), as well as two fire service based alternatives. Under the first fire service based alternative, Kent Fire Department and Federal Way Fire Department would each provide paramedic service, dividing current paramedic units between them. The second option examined the feasibility of one fire department – either Kent or Federal Way – providing the services currently performed by King County Medic One.
In accepting the recommendations, Executive Sims stressed the importance of the new south King County EMS Council that was included in the study's recommendations. "This council is a mechanism for enhancing fire department input into the King County Medic One program, and improving coordination and collaboration in providing emergency medical services. All residents and patients will be the beneficiaries of this effort," he said.
The Emergency Medical Services/Medic One system consists of a coordinated partnership involving King County, cities, fire districts, private ambulance companies, hospitals and others who provide high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical care.
For more information on the Emergency Medical Services/Medic One system, visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/ems
