Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Emergency Preparedness Emergency Medical Services for Medical Needs Shelter Operation MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is entered into by and between the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), hereinafter referred to as Department and the signatory EMS Provider, hereinafter known as EMS Provider for the purpose of ensuring continuous Emergency Medical Service (EMS) coverage at Medical Needs Shelters (MNS) activated by the Department during an emergency or disaster situation. WHEREAS, Department has an obligation under ESF #s 6 and 8 to activate Medical Needs Shelters in the event of an emergency event. In an event, pre-identified volunteer teams will be used to staff MNSs activated by the Department. EMS professionals will be a component of the volunteer team. The Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (EMST), a division of the Department, is responsible to coordinate the deployment of EMS Providers during emergencies and disaster situations. WHEREAS, when it is determined that a MNS is being activated, the Department will contact the Office of EMST who will solicit local licensed EMS Providers through the Alabama Incident Management System (AIMS) or by phone or email, to supply an EMS paramedic crew(s) and an advanced life support ambulance designated specifically to cover the shelter needs. WHEREAS, depending on the available resources the EMS Provider may be asked to provide an advanced life support ambulance (only) to remain at the MNS. Should the volunteer team need to perform an emergency transfer the vehicle would be available, otherwise the volunteer team will contact the local provider for non-emergency transfers. WHEREAS, EMS Provider Responders may be deployed by the Department under the authority of Title 31, Chapter 9 Code of Alabama 1975, and as such EMS Provider Responder personnel will be designated an emergency management worker and may be covered under liability protection of section 31-9-16. However, EMS Provider responders are not to be considered employees of the Department. WHEREAS, EMS Providers should have no expectation of compensation for services. All services are provided without regard to the availability of reimbursement or other funding. There is no guarantee of payment. The Department will not be responsible for reimbursement for services, but will assist those EMS Providers deployed by the Department, with the reimbursement process should funding become available.
NOW THERFORE, AND IN EXCHANGE FOR THE PROMISES HEREIN BELOW STATED, THE PARTIES HERETO COVENANT AS FOLLOWS: The duties imposed under this Memorandum shall be: 1. Duties of the Department: a. Have Emergency Medical Service and Trauma (EMST) notify local EMS Providers via email or phone of the need for services. If Alabama Incident Management System (AIMS) is stood up, providers will be asked to log onto the system and provide EMST with resource availability data. If AIMS is not stood up, EMST will obtain and coordinate data offline. b. EMST will coordinate EMS Provider resources and deploy unit(s) to Department activated MNSs. c. Provide information to EMS Provider on how long their services may be needed. d. Provide, through agreements with other agencies, meals for the EMS Crew(s) assigned to the shelter. e. Assist the EMS Provider with the reimbursement process should funding for reimbursement be made available. f. Provide AIMS training opportunities for EMS Providers. 2. Duties of EMS Provider: a. Respond as soon as possible to the Department s notification of EMS needs by logging onto AIMS and provide current resource availability, even if no resources are available. b. Provide a licensed EMS crew (of two) consisting of at least one paramedic, supplies and an advanced life support ambulance dedicated to the MNS 24 hours per day until relieved by another provider or until the MNS is demobilized.. c. Develop a workable rotation schedule and crew assignment to ensure coverage and allow for personnel to obtain rest. d. Maintain required documentation for reimbursement following disaster and submit charges to appropriate authority, not the Department, for reimbursement as indicated. e. Will not self deploy. f. Maintain enough resources and personnel at base operations to provide services to local community. g. Provide fuel and supplies for up crew to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours. h. Deploy only those who are licensed and in good standing with the office of EMST. i. Assist with introductions between EMS crew and local medical control before their initial shift at the MNS if working outside of their usual catchment area. j. Assist with non-emergency transfers as requested by MNS staff. k. Attend AIMS training.
3. Duties of EMT Crew at shelter: a. Report to and assist the Nurse in Charge as needed/requested. b. Assist in the on-going assessment of the physical condition of the shelterees and advise the Nurse in Charge of any adverse change in the condition of a shelteree. c. Be prepared to perform job task on Job Action Sheet. (See attached- Exhibit A) d. Assist in emergency situations, to level of licensure, following established statewide protocols. e. Complete MNS required documentation. f. Remain at the shelter throughout the assigned shift, unless an emergency transport of a shelteree is required. g. Contact local EMS Provider to perform non-emergency transfers. h. Provide report of pertinent information to oncoming crew. i. If working outside of usual catchment area, meet with local Medical Control prior to working initial shift in the MNS. This agreement together with the attached exhibit constitutes the entire agreement between Department and the EMS Provider Responder. Amendments to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. This agreement will be effective when signed by both parties and shall remain in effect until cancelled by either party by giving 30 day written notice to the other party.
Exhibit A Job Action Sheet Job Action Sheet for EMT in Medical Need Shelter If new to area, each EMS provider to meet with local Medical Director before working initial shift. Arrange introduction through MNS staff. Become familiar with route to hospital in case of need for patient transport. Assist Nurse in Charge as needed. Assist in triage assessments for individuals presenting at the medical needs shelter Assist in the on-going assessment of the physical condition of the shelterees and advise the Nurse in Charge of any adverse change in the condition of a shelteree Maintain universal precautions and infection control measures Assist in emergency situations, to level of licensure, following established protocols Complete all required documentation Assist with collection of data pertaining to shelterees Be prepared to assist/perform the following tasks as needed: -Assist shelterees with activities of daily living as needed (mobility, etc.) -Assist with blood sugar monitoring, during emergency situations -Assist with oxygen administration and/or breathing treatments during emergency situations Perform only to the level and within scope of licensure and training. -Assist with or conduct transport of shelteree to appropriate medical facility for changes in condition -Assist in discharge process as needed Provide report of pertinent information to your replacement at shift change Maintain reimbursement documentation supplies, hours of work, etc. Assist in emergency situations, to the level of licensure, following established statewide protocols. Perform only to the level and within the scope of licensure and training.
SIGNATURE PAGE Name of EMS Provider: Name of Designated Representative: Title of Designated Representative: Contact Number of Designated Representative: Email of Designated Representative: Name(s) of Back-up Individuals: Contact Number(s) of Back-up Individuals: Email(s) of Back-up: Entered into this date of of. Signature of EMS Provider Donald E. Williamson, MD State Health Officer