FEMS evaluates fire and EMS call volume using a call categorization system. This system was developed to match call types with performance measures. Call types are identified by Group (Fire, EMS and Other) and Class (Lower Priority, Higher Priority, Highest Priority). 

 

 

FEMS measures fire and EMS call volume by incident count. Each incident is a dispatched call, resulting in one or more emergency vehicle responses. Incidents are counted by Group and Class, tabulated by fiscal year, and shown by call location. 

 

 

 

FEMS evaluates response time performance using National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1710 measures. Call types by Group and Class are matched to individual NFPA measures for creating and reporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).   

 

FEMS measures response time performance for both fire and EMS call types. Fire response time measures include first arriving fire engine dispatched to structure fires and first alarm assignments dispatched to structure fires. EMS response time measures include first arriving EMT dispatched to advanced life support (ALS) EMS calls, first arriving paramedic(s) dispatched to ALS calls, and first arriving transport unit dispatched to ALS calls.   

 

 

 

FEMS tracks and reports transport unit availability to monitor EMS system capacity. 

 

 

 

FEMS reports patient outcomes to better evaluate medical care provided to patients. Outcomes reported include cardiac arrest survival and public intervention measures, EMS care metrics, and patient satisfaction survey results.

 

 

 

FEMS publishes Operating Reports and call volume charts detailing operating activity by fiscal year and month. Reports and charts include FEMS KPIs using NFPA Standard 1710 measures, average response times, call types and other information.

 

 

FEMS uses American Medical Response (AMR), now renamed Global Medical Response (GMR), to provide Nurse Triage Line (NTL) services, coordinate Right Care Right Now, and supplement EMS transport services.  

 

 

FEMS publishes Performance Plans and Performance Accountability Reports (PARs) summarizing yearly initiatives and goals, including measuring success.