Public Health issues annual report on Medic One and Emergency Medical Services

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Public Health - Seattle & King County has issued the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division's 2003 Annual Report that reviews emergency medical services projects, programs and initiatives, many of which involve broad partnerships that have improved efficiencies in paramedic responses.

"We have a cutting-edge Medic One and Emergency Medical Services system in King County that provides our residents with a very successful and efficient regional service that saves lives," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"Approximately one in every 10 King County residents is seen every year by an EMS provider," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Our emergency medical system is supported by a remarkable partnership among fire departments, paramedic providers, dispatch centers, physicians, hospitals and public health workers."

The Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) 2003 Annual Report includes:

• A summary of the status of the EMS system in King County, including a special report addressing the demand for additional paramedic service in outlying areas.
• An updated status of the EMS program and activities, including the newly updated 2002-2007 strategic initiatives to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of EMS in the region.
• A summary of regional 2002 EMS statistics, including the City of Seattle. Of particular interest is the analysis of poverty, diabetes and demand for EMS services.
• A review of the 2003 EMS Financial Plan, including forecast revenues and expenditures for the duration of the levy period (2002-2007).

The full EMS 2003 Annual Report is available at: www.kingcounty.gov/health/ems

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.