By Andrew Lawson
Arkansas City Traveler – August 21, 2013
The Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department was inspected Aug. 14 by the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services and achieved a successful inspection with no deficiencies reported, according to a press release from the city.
KBEMS conducts ambulance service inspections across the state, and identifies any service deficiencies and corrective actions that might be needed.
Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with Kansas administrative regulations and statutes.
The following areas were reviewed in the recent inspection: operational and medical protocols, ambulances and equipment, equipment list, garaging, call schedule, attendant’s certification cards, daily record of ambulance responses, and the service of the quality improvement program.
“It’s pretty extensive what they go through on inspection,” Fire-EMS Chief Bobby Wolfe told commissioners Tuesday night at City Hall.
“It takes into account ambulances, medications, cleanliness, the whole gamut. They even check the expirations of our Band-Aids.”
He said this was the first year he knew of that Ark City had passed all the tests.
“KBEMS recognizes and appreciates the work involved by both (Jeri Smith, Arkansas City EMS director) and staff to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance,” said James Reed, EMS specialist with KBEMS.
“Jeri Smith is directly responsible for a lot of this,” Hernandez said. “We’re lucky to have her on board.”
“Our personnel worked really hard to (achieve this certification),” Wolfe added.
“We congratulate you and your staff on all your hard work,” said Mayor Jay Warren, speaking for the commission.
The honor stands in contrast to Winfield Area EMS, which has been the target of criticism recently after an incident in which one of its ambulances broke down in the field.
Several press releases from the stakeholders in Winfield — the City of Winfield, the county and William Newton Hospital — indicated they are looking at countywide consolidation of EMS service as one potential, long-term solution.
But from where Ark City stands, that outcome doesn’t appear imminent.
The latest honor is an endorsement of Ark City’s unified fire-EMS approach, city officials have indicated.
“This is one way we can demonstrate to our citizens the level of service they are being delivered in Arkansas City,” Hernandez said.
The city manager also said he has had one preliminary discussion with the
county about ambulance service, but added that the city is happy with its current level and form of emergency medical service.
Part of Winfield’s EMS issues stem from an aging ambulance fleet.
WAEMS Director Justin Waite has said the city’s ambulances all are between 7 and 16 years old.
None of Ark City’s ambulances are more than 4 years old, Hernandez said, and two recently were remounted on their chassis and inspected.
And the city plans to buy a new ambulance next year, Hernandez added.
“This report indicates we have an excellent fire-based ambulance service, and Fire-EMS staff and management who are doing the right things for Arkansas City,” he said.
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