Agenda

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County Administrator's Report 12. 41.

BCC Regular Meeting

Budget & Finance Consent

Meeting Date:	05/05/2016
Issue: Memorandum of Agreement for the Provision of a Paramedic Training Program
From:	Mike Weaver
Department:	Public Safety
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning the Memorandum of Agreement for the Provision of a Paramedic Program between Escambia County and Pensacola State College - Michael D. Weaver, Public Safety Director

That the Board take the following action regarding the Memorandum of Agreement for a Paramedic Program between Escambia County and Pensacola State College, for the provision of allowing Pensacola State College to provide instruction and grant degrees in the field of emergency medical services to address the shortage of qualified paramedic employees, as approved by the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College, Florida:

A. Approve the Memorandum of Agreement for the Provision of a Paramedic Program between Escambia County and the District Board of Trustees of Pensacola State College commencing upon the date last executed and continuing in full force and effect unless terminated by either party upon providing at least 120 days prior written notice to the non-terminating party; and

B. Authorize the Chairman to execute the Memorandum of Agreement.

Over the last several years, it has become apparent there are not enough paramedics in the State of Florida available for hire. Most agencies have their own in-house paramedic program or contract with the local college to help meet staffing needs. Public Safety has encountered the same problems many are facing across the State of Florida. Contracting with Pensacola State College will allow staff to go to work and school in a familiar work environment to ensure success. It will also ensure that Escambia County will have highly trained and skilled individuals that can be immediately assigned to operational duty upon graduation and successful completion of the State of Florida Certification. It is proposed that no fewer than 12 academically qualified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) enroll in each Program term. The total cost per student is approximately $6000, to include tuition, books, and uniforms, to complete the Paramedic Training Program. Each student would have to attend classes for approximately 1 year before completing the training program.

[Funding: Fund 408, Emergency Medical Services, Cost Center 330302, Object Code 55501]

BACKGROUND:

Escambia County is increasingly experiencing a difficulty in recruiting Paramedics. A majority of the applicants that we do receive are from candidates that live outside of our area and are often not prepared for the level of care our citizens require. In order to ensure that our citizens continue to receive the quality emergency medical care they expect, we are proposing an in-house Paramedic program. An individual wanting to go to Paramedic school must invest not only the cost of tuition, but the extensive commitment of time requirements. The students enrolled in this program will be Escambia County EMTs who live in our community and have demonstrated the commitment to our citizens, but have been unable to afford this funding and time. Contracting with Pensacola State College will allow our staff to go to school in a familiar work environment at the Public Safety Building with their coworkers which will ensure success. It will also ensure that Escambia County will have highly trained and skilled individuals that can be immediately assigned to operational duty upon graduation and successful completion of the State of Florida Certification. It is proposed that no fewer than 12 academically qualified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) enroll in each Program term. The total cost per student is approximately $6000, to include tuition, books, and uniforms, to complete the Paramedic Training Program. Each student would have to attend classes for approximately 1- year before completing the training program.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

Funding: Fund 408, Emergency Medical Services, Cost Center 330302, Object Code 55501

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

The Memorandum of Agreement for the Provision of a Paramedic Program between Escambia County and Pensacola State College have been reviewed and approved for legal sufficiency by Kristin Hual, Assistant County Attorney.

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

Board Policy requires Board Approval of all Agreements.

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

Upon BCC approval and proper execution, Stephen White, EMS Division Manager, will oversee implementation of the Agreement and work in close cooperation with Pensacola State College, representatives.

Attachments
Memorandum of Agreement
Exhibit A
Exhbit B