Guide For Developing An EMS Agency Safety Program

Culture of Safety TipEMS Week, held the thirdweek of May each year,sets aside Tuesday for“Safety Day” to promotethe advancement of safetymeasures for practitioners,patients and the public.The EMS safety officer cantake the lead on planningactivities for Safety Day.One idea: educate EMSpersonnel about stressreduction and mentalillness, and ensure theyknow how and where toask for help if they need it.How to Prepare to Become an EMSSafety OfficerAs an EMS safety officer, your primary job is keeping people safe in the workplace andpatients safe in the field. Here are some ideas for how to get prepared for the job.1. Educate yourself about EMS safety issues and best practices. NAEMT’s 8-hourEMS Safety Course provides a baseline level of knowledge on EMS safetyconcerns and ways to mitigate hazards. Participants are taught to identify andprotect themselves from a range of threats to their health and safety, from motorvehicle collisions to violent encounters to chronic stress. Topics covered includesituational awareness, defensive driving and verbal deflection.2. Enhance your knowledge through workshops, seminars and reading. Held annuallyat EMS World Expo, the EMS Safety Officer Program offers 5 hours of presentationsfrom leading experts in workplace, driving and patient safety. Participants receive acertification of attendance from the National EMS Safety Council.Look for other safety-focused sessions at major EMS conferences such as EMSWorld Expo and EMS Today, or at state conferences. Also, the National EMSSafety Summit, held annually in Colorado.3. Explore healthcare safety certifications. There are several organizations thatoffer safety certifications related to healthcare. You may want to check with yourorganization prior to pursuing a certification to determine if it would be viewedas relevant and valuable. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) – The National Patient SafetyFoundation offers a professional certification program to distinguish professionalswho have demonstrated certain patient safety competencies and expertise. Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) – The International Board forCertification of Safety Managers, an independent professional credentialingorganization, focuses on improving the safety performance of healthcareorganizations. CHSP offers a certification.ResourcesCrew Resource Management: Principles and Practice, by Paul LeSage, FF,EMT-P, AS, BA, CFM; Jeff Dyar, NREMT-P, BS; and Bruce Evans, MPA.Jones & Bartlett Learning Public Safety Group, 2011.Sample Job DescriptionsSample A: AMR Director of Safety & RiskSample B: Safety Captain Job DescriptionSample C: Richmond Ambulance Authority Safety & Risk Management Director6

Sample AJob Title: AMR Director of Safety & RiskReports To: SVP of Professional ServicesDepartment: Safety & Risk ManagementFSLA Status: ExemptPosition Summary: The Director of Safety & Risk’s role is responsible for providing operational and analyticalsupport in the strategic development of Envisions Risk Management program. This role will be responsible forthe planning, implementation and on-going management of all risk and insurance related matters within theorganization to ensure optimal coverage and structure in accordance with the company’s risk appetite.Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Provide quality claims management services and statistical data controls over the insurance program.Responsibilities include oversight for claims and insurance program including: reserve controls, datacorrections, data reviews to ensure accuracy, claim file reviews and audits, and claim authorization of claimpayments. Prepare analysis and reports of loss history information, identifying potential risk control measures to reducelosses; consult with business leads on effective ways to reduce loss costs. Report claims to insurance carriers, provide assistance to Litigation attorneys when filing claims, monitorclaims for resolution and payment, coordinate database of claims. Analyze and Identify opportunities to enhance the auto, general, professional and workers’ compensationsafety programs, and lead the implementation of the programs. Responsible for the development and implementation of risk management policies and procedures tooptimize productivity, effectiveness and support for current risk management best practices and company’srisk tolerance. Design, draft, and coordinate risk assessment reports that clearly articulate operational risks and controls inaccordance with the insurance program. Participate in the renewal of certain insurance programs, including accuracy of policy documentation and allunderwriting, exposure and loss information. Review contracts, recommend acceptable insurance wording and where necessary place additional insurancecoverages. Review draft and executed contracts for insurance requirements of Envision and other parties tothe contract.Non-Essential Duties & Requirements: Other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution; MBA PreferredExperience: Must have at least three years relevant experience with a commercial insurance broker or within an in-housecorporate insurance/risk management department. Professional Risk Management Certification completed or in process (i.e. ARM, CPCU) preferred.GUIDE FOR DEVELOPING AN EMS AGENCY SAFETY PROGRAM7

Experience and/or demonstrated knowledge of a broad range of corporate insurance programs (i.e. Property,Casualty, Financial, Professional and/or Executive Risk). Experience and/or demonstrated knowledge of claims handling across a broad range of insurance classes.Other Knowledge & Skills: Ability to analyze, review and recommend insurance requirement wording in contracts. Ability to analyze, review and recommend changes to insurance binders and policies. Business acumen – excellent understanding of the breadth of activities undertaken by all parts of the businessand the risk management issues that affect them. Experience in writing and reviewing insurance and risk management support and guidance documents. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including a qualitative and quantitative skill-set, with the ability touse data and analytics to drive desired results. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement automated processes to improve efficiency and accuracy. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software. Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently on projects or assignments as well as collaborate as part of a cross disciplinaryteam on group projects. Ability to be creative and inquisitive; seek new solutions to challenges; and able to be adaptable, flexible andopen to change.8

Sample BSafety Captain Job DescriptionReports to: Assistant Chief of OperationsOversees: n/aJob Description:Develops plans to ensure the safety of all personnel, maintains compliance with labor laws and OSHAregulations, and assists personnel with work-related injuries and illnesses. Collect and maintains data relating toquality assurance of agency’s infection control and OSHA programs.Monthly Expectations: When needed, schedule and conduct new Member or refresher OSHA class When notified, decontaminate crew uniforms or equipment Complete a walk-through of Station to ensure that the facility is up to current OSHA standards. If anything isfound that needs to be addressed, if able to, correct the issue or notify the appropriate Chief Officer When needed, assist with work-related injuries or illnessesNOTE: From a small, suburban volunteer EMS agency which only runs nights and weekends.GUIDE FOR DEVELOPING AN EMS AGENCY SAFETY PROGRAM9

Richmond Ambulance Authority Safety & Risk Management DirectorSample CNew members/employees Review applications for driving record standards All applicants reviewed by Suitability Committee Interviews include critical thinking exercise New employee orientation – employees constantly hear/see safety program and employee expectations areimportant cornerstone Pre-hire background checks Pre-hire physical ability testInjury prevention Work with Operations section to review all SOGs, practices, procedures to identify potential injury generatingactions. Work with Logistics to review any new or potential new equipment Regular facility inspections to identify hazards and initiate remedies All employees empowered to be a champion of safety practicesFleet maintenance Collaboration with Director of Support Services to identify vehicle design and configuration Review any vehicle failure issues to identify root cause All vehicles have scheduled preventive maintenance based on mileage PMs are more than oil changes – units examined from bumper to bumper/tire tread to antennae tip Only OEM parts are used on vehicles ASE certified mechanicsTraining Clinical department teaches NAEMT Safety Course during new employee orientation Assist Clinical on protocols or other issues potentially creating provider/patient safety problems Clinical Services Committee reviews any potential new protocol or equipment. Clinical department designsand implements training for such Clinical staff strives to make standard recertification courses compelling and real life like to better prepare staffJust Culture/Self-Reporting Participate with Chief Clinical Officer in monitoring Self-Reports and determine any links or trends Encourage employees to let management know of any actions/situations arising outside of normal EMSactivities. Near miss – identify those needing remedial training based on event Chief Clinical Officer in contact with OMD to discuss patient care near miss issues10

Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Work with Clinical to assure RAA EVOC meets Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health, Office ofEMS standards Maintain operator monitoring system and share results regularlyPatient safety This is part of several of the above categories. Ultimately our goal is to do no harm. Device/equipment review during failures or new purchases Clinical Services Committee diligently reviews existing and any new patient care protocols to assure patientsafety Any negative patient interactions reviewed for root causeProfessionali

Safety Officer As an EMS safety officer, your primary job is keeping people safe in the workplace and patients safe in the field. Here are some ideas for how to get prepared for the job. 1. Educate yourself about EMS safety issues and best practices. NAEMT’s 8-hour EMS Safety Course provides a baseline level of knowledge on EMS safety