Special thanks to Dan Pedersen from PWW|AG for his insightful (and entertaining!) presentation on the Top 10 Best Practices for Medicare Compliance for the AIMHI Reimbursement Committee!
A recording of the presentation can viewed at the link below, as is a link to his handout:
AIMHI Presentation - Pedersen.pdf
https://youtu.be/cTHAb1u7Qvg
An excellent 1-hour panel discussion from international EMS leaders!
A copy of the slide deck can be accessed here:
4-22-25 International EMS Systems Comparisons Slide Deck - FINAL.pdf
As part of the webinar, Kevin Smith from the British Columbia EMS system in Canada, and President of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada shared this document regarding Ambulance Patient Offload Times:
https://www.paramedicchiefs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/PCCStatementonOffloadDelaysJuly2022Final.pdf
View the recording of the webinar here.
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a critical role in public health and safety, yet their structure, funding, and effectiveness vary significantly across different countries. This webinar offers a comparative analysis of EMS delivery in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, examining key differences in system design, response times, accessibility, and patient outcomes. Join industry experts from the U.S., Canada and the U.K as we explore:✅ Economic models and involvement of government oversight✅ Response times and clinical metrics across the three countries✅ Differences in 911, 999, and 112 emergency call systems✅ Retention and Recruitment✅ Formal recognitions of paramedicine as a profession✅ Challenges and best practices in EMS coordination and innovation (MIH/CP)
The AIMHI Reimbursement Committee, led by Committee Chair, Bill Mergendahl of ProEMS, is hosting a series of ‘Best Practice’ presentations from subject matter experts for all AIMHI members, which we are making available here for the benefit of industry leaders.
The first "Best Practices" session was held on March 12, 2025 on the topic of Best Practices for Claim Scrubbing, Third Party Liability, and Deductible Management.
Our Subject Matter Expert was Brian Choate, Managing Partner of Solutions Group Services.
Brian shared excellent insights, and Committee Chair Mergendahl provided data on the results of these best practices.
Click here to view the 55 minute presentation video.
Watch the recording ==> https://youtu.be/uTPTaKe7_us
The link below is a transcript of the webinar Q & A's, as responded to by the panelists live, during the webinar.
MythBusters Expectations vs Reality Q-A.pdf
Resource Document: The link below is a research summary and positions papers dispelling 'Myths' of reliance on response times as a performance measure, all ALS vs. Tiered Response (BLS & ALS) and lights and siren use:
References-Resources on Response Times - All ALS and EMS Performance Measures Updated 11-27-24.pdf
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Recent headlines illustrate the EMS delivery crisis in America:
“Kentucky's shortage of EMS providers has reached 'crisis' level, expert tells state lawmakers”
“N.Y. ambulance service ends operations after 75 years”
“Chicago firefighters plan protests over paramedic, ambulance shortages”
“Santa Barbara (CA) Supervisors Caught in Crossfire over Ambulance Contract”
“Lebanon Fire District (OR) faces ambulance service challenges amid funding and staffing woes”
Modern EMS is half a century old, and would you believe there are some things the public ‘expects’ that are no longer supported by volumes of evidence-based research. EMS systems, and the communities they serve are clinging on to practices based on beliefs that not only have been disproved by science, but are dangerous, such as:
Reliance on response times as a sole performance measure
Unrealistic public expectations are driving much of the staffing and economic crisis EMS systems are facing.
This dynamic and ‘controversial’ webinar will highlight current research and outcomes to bust myths related to the sacred cows that are driving the challenges for EMS delivery such as paramedic resource deployment, response times, lights and siren use, and even the fundamentals of EMS system design.
Attendees will leave the webinar armed with the up-to-date evidence to slay sacred cows and long-held beliefs about EMS to change how EMS is delivered in their local communities to help navigate the current EMS staffing and economic crisis.
Co-Hosts:
Panelists:
About the Panelists:
Chip Decker serves as the CEO of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) located in Richmond, VA. And is the Board President for the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI). He currently serves as a member of the Virginia Public Safety Foundation’s Board of Directors and remains an active member of the Virginia Association of Governmental EMS Administrators (VAGEMSA).
Dr. Doug Kupas is the President-Elect of the National Association of EMS Physicians. He is a board-certified emergency physician subspecializing in emergency medical services. He is also the Medica Director for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, a Professor of Emergency Medicine, the Medical Director for Geisinger EMS in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Kevin Mackey is a Board-Certified EMS and emergency medicine physician and services as medical director for several EMS agencies, including Sacramento Fire Department in California. Dr. Mackey was named one of the Top 10 EMS Innovators by JEMS Magazine in 2020.
John “JP” Peterson is Executive Director at Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Medic is the exclusive provider of 911 and non-emergency ambulance service to the residents and visitors of Mecklenburg County. The Agency has 650 employees, covers 540 square miles, serves 1.1 million residents, and responds to nearly 160,000 calls per year.
Tom Wieczorek is the Director of the Center for Public Safety Management, the exclusive provider of public safety consulting services for the International City/County Managers Association. An expert in fire and EMS operations, he has served as a police officer, fire chief, director of public safety and city manager and served as the Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (formerly the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, Inc.). CPSM has conducted hundreds of studies on EMS and fire service delivery.
Free Webinar | Recorded August 22, 2024 Hosted by The Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration
Watch on YouTube | Download Slide Deck
In this session, Dr. Joseph P. Ornato, distinguished professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine (Cardiology), will explore innovative strategies that address critical time-to-treatment challenges in emergency medical situations. Dr. Ornato will discuss the limitations of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest ceiling in the Chain of Survival and how current response times can reduce the effectiveness of crucial interventions like defibrillation and drug administration. He will also cover the innovative use of drones in delivering life-saving treatments and highlight a groundbreaking four-year research project funded by the American Heart Association, conducted in collaboration with Duke University. This project focuses on developing FAA-certified Automated External Defibrillator (AED) drone delivery programs in North Carolina and Virginia, aiming to enhance bystander response capabilities and reshape emergency medical responses through advanced technology. Join us to gain valuable insights into boosting EMS effectiveness and potentially saving countless lives.
Attracting and Retaining the TikTok Generation Free Webinar July 24, 2024 at 14:00 ET Hosted by The Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration
WATCH NOW►
Are members of Gen Z hard to hire and retain? Or is EMS leadership just resistant to change? Join the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration for an engaging webinar that may spark some intergenerational dialogue at YOUR EMS agency. Tune in July 24 to hear firsthand from rising mobile healthcare leaders from across the nation as they share how to best attract and cultivate talent from the TikTok generation! Learn about differing work-life balance expectations, personal appearance perspectives, and communication styles across generations, and learn how Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer leadership teams can adjust to help fully integrate and engage young new team members. The webinar will also include a live Q&A session, allowing participants to seek advice and share experiences on fostering an inclusive workplace that harmonizes the strengths of all age groups.
Here's the slide deck:
Eilah Cook is an EMT at Richmond Ambulance Authority. She began her EMS career at the age of 19 after returning to the United States. Eilah primarily works the night shift to accommodate her daytime educational pursuits. Having lived in Germany for five years, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Eilah's ultimate career goal is to become a Trauma Surgeon.
Ashley has ten years of experience working in EMS. She is a certified NREMT Paramedic and holds an associate’s degree in applied science from Horry Georgetown Technical College. Ashley has served as a Paramedic Crew Chief for Mecklenburg EMS Agency since 2018 and was promoted to Assistant Operations Supervisor in 2021. She is a member of the Agency's Peer Support team, where she emphasizes the importance of mental health and provides support to those in need. Ashley is dedicated to empowering young people to reach their potential, take on leadership roles, and voice their ideas to bring fresh perspectives to the EMS field.
Kristine is an HR Business Partner for MedStar Mobile Healthcare with 10 years of combined Talent Acquisition and HR experience. She attended Arizona State University as a first-generation student and obtained her bachelor’s degree in organizational development, then continued to Northcentral University to obtain her MBA in Human Resource Management. Her passion for HR lies in collaborating with leadership teams to create a supportive employee experience that enables employees to better serve their community. She serves as a board member for the Fort Worth HR professional association and obtained her PHR in 2019.
Presented by:
John "JP" Peterson | Executive Director Doug Swanson, MD | Medical Director Grace Nelson | Public Relations Manager/PIO
Panelists: Joel Benz, Executive Director, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority Chip Decker, CEO, Richmond Ambulance Authority Ken Simpson, CEO, Medstar Mobile Healthcare
Join the Academy for International Mobile Healthcare Integration on April 11, 2024, at Noon ET for a groundbreaking dialogue that will prepare EMS leaders seeking to secure funding for their organizations. How to Tell Your Story—To Ask for Money for Your EMS Agency goes beyond the usual platitudes, instead, diving into the nuanced art of building relationships, effective use of data, and effectively communicating your story in the context of funding requests. In this session, you will learn from mobile healthcare leaders Joel Benz, Chip Decker, and Ken Simpson about the strategic positioning of your organization to make a compelling case for financial support from your local government. Discover the critical questions you need to be prepared to answer, how to craft your narrative to resonate with decision-makers, and how to articulate your needs in a way that commands attention—and financial support!
Here's What High-Performance, High-Value EMS Looks Like Recorded July 26, 2023 | 14:00–15:30 ET
Download Slides Download Benchmarking Reports
Presented by the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration Sponsored by the Center for Public Safety Management
AIMHI members are unique EMS providers, delivering high-performance and high-value services with a laser focus on clinical quality, operational effectiveness, and financial efficiency. Benchmarking is a key method for achieving service delivery excellence and learning best practices.
AIMHI has published benchmarking reports throughout the year on key EMS system innovations and metrics such as:
Join leaders from AIMHI member agencies and revenue cycle experts as they discuss the major findings from these benchmarking studies, how AIMHI member agencies are able to achieve some of the most clinically proficient, operationally effective, and economically efficient service delivery models in the country.
Public policymakers are especially encouraged to attend this webinar to understand what high-performance, high-value EMS delivery can achieve!
Regina Godette-Crawford Advocacy Liason EMS | MC Winston-Salem, NC
Adam Heinz Chief Operating Officer REMSA Health Reno, NV
John "JP" Peterson Executive Director Mecklenburg EMS Agency Charlotte, NC
Matt Zavadsky Chief Transformation Officer Medstar Mobile Healthcare Fort Worth, TX
From the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI) Learn how innovative EMS systems are caring for patients during mental and behavioral health ambulance transports.
WATCH ON-DEMAND
Download Slides & Handouts
Craig Hare Director of EMS & Fire Administration Pinellas County Jonathan D. Washko, MBA, FACPE, NRP, AEMD AVP, Center of Emergency Medical Services Northwell Health Cono Cimino, MBA, CCEMT-P Director, Training | Quality | Suffolk Operations Northwell Health Viktoriya Monosova, B.S., CCEMTPOperations Manager Northwell Health Jim JacksonDirector of Emergency Medical Services Northwell Health
Moderator Matt Zavadsky Medstar Mobile Healthcare
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