Iowa is trying to close gaps in its EMS system through the funding of EMS geographic coalitions. | Pixabay
Iowa is trying to close gaps in its EMS system through the funding of EMS geographic coalitions. | Pixabay
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in Iowa has some holes that the state is trying to fix, reports a House Republican Caucus Newsletter.
“The unfortunate reality is, not all EMS locations have the same capabilities and do not always coordinate with other EMS locations in their county,” the newsletter stated.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has implemented supports in an attempt to facilitate coordination between EMS providers, the newsletter reported. IDPH combined a trio of funding sources – EMS System Development funds, Public Health Preparedness Grant funds and Hospital Preparedness Grant funds – dispersing funds to 12 geographic EMS coalitions throughout the state.
Coalition development was influenced by patient referral and treatment patterns for time-critical conditions such as trauma, stroke and heart attack, the newsletter reported.
More than 900 EMS sites are located in Iowa and are operated by non-volunteer and volunteer staff.
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