KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Over 170,000 people received on-scene emergency response from King County's world-class Medic One and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in 2007, with an average response time of under five minutes. The EMS 2008 Annual Report, issued today by Public Health — Seattle & King County, highlights this continued excellent service and innovative programs in the first year of the new EMS levy period. In November 2007, with 83% approval, voters in Seattle & King County supported the levy for another six-year term.
"Thanks to the public's strong support, the EMS Levy ensures that Medic One will continue to provide effective emergency medical care to all residents," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "From Shoreline to Auburn, our system seamlessly connects emergency medical responders from across King County so that people get the services they need, when they need it."
Emergency Medical Services in King County operates in a coordinated partnership with five dispatch centers, seven paramedic providers, and 30 fire departments. In 2007, the EMS system in Seattle & King County responded to 172,502 total calls, of which 51,151 were for Advanced Life Support (ALS).
On average, in 2007 it took less than five minutes from the time an emergency call arrived at dispatch to time of arrival at the scene by EMS personnel. Average response times continue to remain stable despite continued growth in both population and call volumes over the past five years.
"Patient survival from cardiac arrest is a critical measure for success of any EMS system, and our survival rate continues to be unmatched anywhere in the world," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County. "Through the years Medic One and EMS have implemented innovative programs, like training dispatchers to give expert CPR instruction over the phone, that have improved survival."
The survival rate from witnessed cardiac arrest in King County, has been over 40% the past three years. Other major cities have reported cardiac survival rates as low as 1-5%.
The Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) 2008 Annual Report includes:
- A report on EMS programs and activities, including strategic initiatives to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of EMS in the region.
- A summary of regional 2007 EMS statistics, including the City of Seattle.
- A review of the 2008 EMS Financial Plan, including forecast revenues and expenditures for the duration of the levy period (2008-2013).
The full EMS 2008 Annual Report is available online.
King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operates in a coordinated partnership with four dispatch centers, six paramedic providers, and 35 fire departments. Funded through a countywide EMS/Medic One Levy, King County EMS utilizes a layered-response system providing a continuum of care for people in need of emergency medical services. For more information on King County EMS, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/ems.
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