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HIGH-PERFORMANCE EMS 16 AUGUST 2017 | EMSWORLD.com identifies itself as a critical component of the healthcare spectrum. Oversight and Operations Here are some strategies to balance medi- cal oversight and operations. 1. Create a seat at the table—Both sides need a seat at the leadership table. Pro- viding opportunities to share perspec- tives, problem-solve and collectively work toward greater organizational goals creates opportunities to turn barriers into catapults and leads to a better-integrated organization prepared to meet the growing needs of our patients and communities. 2. Understand the paths leading toward success—The goal is clearly defined, yet the path to achieve it may be different for operations than for medical oversight. Both sides need to be willing to walk each other's path to achieve better understand- ing of their needs, barriers and challeng- es. This can be accomplished through increased interaction and involvement in stepping outside defined roles and experi- encing what it takes to run the operation or understanding the liability and challenges of medical oversight. 3. Focus on healthcare—Prehospi- tal healthcare is a rapidly changing and evolving discipline. Operations and medi- cal oversight must agree that the ser- vices being provided are part of the big- ger healthcare picture and the decisions made operationally and clinically have a large impact on the patients and systems in our communities. Case Studies Here are some scenarios to discuss between your operations and clinical lead - ers to help find balance. Case #1: Video laryngoscopes The medical director wants to add video laryngoscopes to every ambulance. He argues that endotracheal intubation is a perishable skill and that with the service performing only 30 intubations a month and more than 60 paramedics working, there is only a 50% chance of a given paramedic getting to practice this skill each month. Your first-pass intubation rate is not as high as desired even though the successful airway rate is very good. Video laryngoscopes cost $800–$1,500 each. The CEO argues that to outfit the entire fleet of 40 ambulances would be cost-prohibitive, especially since the expense of the laryngoscope must be absorbed by the company and cannot be passed on to the patient. What is one to do? Case #2: Community paramedics Currently your nurse health line fields 9-1-1 calls that have been determined to have no priority. The CEO wants to allow the nurses to refer these calls to community paramedics who can visit the patient's home and treat them. The medical direc- We appreciate your service to our communities and country! That is why NAEMT provides information and education to help you provide the best care to your patients. It is also the reason we offer a great benefits package and leadership opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. JOIN NAEMT. LET US WELCOME YOU HOME! NAEMT.ORG /NAEMTFriends /NAEMT_ 1-800-34-NAEMT NAEMT MEMBERS SAVE $125 on EMS World Expo registration MAKE NAEMT YOUR PROFESSIONAL HOME For More Information Circle 17 on Reader Service Card