Title
Emergency Medical Services, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that the provision of emergency, advanced life support air ambulance dispatch and transport services provided by Reach Medical Holdings, LLC are in the public’s best interest and that there are specialty skills, qualifications, and equipment not expressly identified in County classifications involved in the performance of the work in accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 3.13.030(B);
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 8705 with Reach Medical Holdings, LLC, for the provision of emergency, advanced life support air ambulance dispatch and transport services within the County for the period of five years from August 27, 2024, through August 26, 2029, with no compensation from County funds, contingent upon approval by Risk Management; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any necessary amendments relating to Agreement 8705, excluding term extensions, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: N/A - Contractor bills patients and insurance companies directly for services provided.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The EMS Agency is responsible for the oversight of Advanced Life Support (ALS) prehospital emergency services and medical transportation within the County. This Agreement continues the relationship with Reach Medical Holdings (previously known as CalSTAR) for the provision of air ambulance transport services. Such services are necessary for time-sensitive critical patient transfers. The proposed agreement also includes a provision for contractor's clinical staff to provide services on critical ground transports with the County's ground transport providers when weather conditions will not permit flight. The contractor has completed all requirements to be a permitted ALS provider within the County.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to enter into this agreement; however, this would result in no contracted air ambulance providers in the County.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On October 30, 2007, the Board of Supervisors authorized Agreement 653-PHD0707 with California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue (CalSTAR), through August 31, 2010 (Legistar file 07-1652).
On July 27, 2010, the Board of Supervisors authorized Amendment I to Agreement 653-PHD0707 to extend the term of the agreement with California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue (CalSTAR), through February 28, 2013 (Legistar file10-0803).
On February 26, 2013, the Board of Supervisors authorized perpetual Agreement 146-O1310 with California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue (CalSTAR) (Legistar file 13-0096).
On September 27, 2019, the Board of Supervisors authorized Agreement 4075 with Reach Medical Holdings, LLC., with a five-year term (Legistar file 19-1230).
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed the proposed agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact. The contractor bills patients and insurance companies directly for all services provided.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain Board Chair signature on one copy of Agreement 8705 and send to CAO Fiscal Attn: Kelley Lawrie.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Sue Hennike, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer