Characteristics and challenges of rural ambulance agencies: a brief review and policy considerations

Characteristics and challenges of rural ambulance agencies: a brief review and policy considerations

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Author(s):
MacKinney, A. Clinton, author
Mueller, Keith J., author
Coburn, Andrew F., author
Knudson, Alana, author
Lundblad, Jeniffer P., author
McBride, Timothy D., author
Contributor(s):
RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis, issuing body.
Rural Health Research & Policy Centers, issuing body.
Rural Policy Research Institute (U.S.), issuing body.
Publication:
[Iowa City, Iowa] : Rural Policy Research Institute, January 2021
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Ambulances
Health Policy
Rural Health Services
Rural Population
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
Key Findings. Rural ambulance agencies, a fundamental component of the rural emergency medical services (EMS) system, are challenged by the following issues: (1) long distances and challenging terrain that prolong emergency response and transport times, (2) insufficient payment by insurers to cover standby and fixed costs, (3) a changing workforce that has historically relied on volunteers but increasingly must include paid personnel, (4) a lack of regional EMS plans to coordinate services, and (5) insufficient State and Federal policy coordination across oversight agencies. Specific public policies to address rural ambulance agency challenges could include the following: (1) Increase ambulance payment to adequately cover reasonable standby and fixed costs. (2) Consider EMS an essential service, the same as firefighting and law enforcement. (3) Collect rural ambulance agency workforce data to better understand workforce needs. (4) Expand the scope and authority of the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS to address rural ambulance agency payment and workforce challenges.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (13 pages, 1 unnumbered page))
NLM Unique ID:
9918383858706676 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9918383858706676