Iowa’s problems are not unique. There is a major series of issues that have plagued our country almost since the establishment of state level EMS systems in 1973.
Haphazard planning, restricted funding, lack of research and the phenomenon of sticking one’s head in the proverbial sands of folklore and tradition have created organizational cultures that tolerate mediocrity.
It’s not surprising that the drag of past decisions has made the state system slow to change and respond to its environment. The 1970s happened a long time ago. The country has evolved in an infinite number of ways.
Is it unreasonable to expect that all players in the system, from the line-level volunteer to the state EMS director would accept that fact and move on?
For example, why not disclose response times? Seems fairly reasonable and provides a small measure of accountability to the EMS service.
No background checks? Maybe that’s somehow related to disciplinary issues?
Poorly or inadequately trained educators? Maybe that has something to do with poor clinical performance?
Yes, I am taking one system to task, but there is no doubt that other states are experiencing similar issues for similar reasons.
In the changes that have occurred since modern EMS systems began, there has been one constant: the community’s need for emergency medical services that it can trust with its lives.
Many Iowans are probably wondering if their assumptions about their service are correct.
Hopefully, local services have already begun evaluating their own performance standards and make the changes necessary to bring high quality, compassionate care and timely transport to its citizens.
