An article on the transport wars going on in Las Vegas seems to indicate that there may be a solution in the works between LVFD and AMR. Normally I would consider this good news.
However, the fact that the possibility of opening up the system to an open field of potential bidders is the driving factor behind the negotiations makes me wonder whether outside competition makes for interesting bedfellows.
Certainly the contracted provider stands to lose a lot; they could be booted out of the system entirely. Hopefully there would be a clause in the contract that would help current Las Vegas EMS providers stay within the system.
But the fire department also stands to lose position as well. A new provider would mean new negotiations, new competition, and a more uncertain future if the new provider demonstrates to the city council that they can do the same job more efficiently.
Meanwhile, as it was pointed out by city staff, external factors are putting pressure on the system to become more responsive to the community’s needs, while remaining financially viable. Given the independent report of the millions of dollars to be saved or squandered, it’s no small decision to make.
The silver lining in all this is the possibility that there may be significant changes as a result of the transport spat. As more residents and taxpayers become interested in how their EMS system is funded and what services they receive, it may gather great attention and more meaningful discourse in what the system could provide.
But, we’ll have to see.
