Project deliverables will include a detailed report documenting the existing EMS service delivery system, EMS agency profiles, EMS agency staffing, capabilities, financial position, and agency needs, and an overall assessment of EMS service delivery within the County. Where identified, the report will identify any service deficiencies or vulnerabilities, and strategies and actions that can be taken to ensure the EMS service quality, availability, and sustainability in the future. Such actions may include shared services, consolidation, hybrid structure, ambulance district creation, or other similar actions. The City of Moscow, on behalf of Latah County EMS Agencies (Moscow Volunteer Fire Department MVFD, Potlatch Ambulance, Genesee Ambulance, Troy Ambulance, J-K Ambulance, and Deary Ambulance), is seeking statements of qualifications from qualified firms/consultants to assess Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout Latah County to evaluate the current EMS delivery system and identify recommended actions and strategies to ensure the long-term reliability, sustainability and viability of EMS service delivery in the County. Over the last several years, the EMS system in Moscow and Latah County has experienced an increase in calls for service while simultaneously experiencing a decrease in volunteer members. This trend is impacting nearly all EMS agencies within the county. Volunteer members are becoming harder to recruit and retain due to increased training requirements, expectations of response, and time availability. Demands on EMS services have increased due to several factors including public expectations (lift assist), mental health challenges, overdoses, increasing operating expenses, significant transport times for some areas to the local hospital, and extended education, training and licensing requirements. Currently, all EMS agencies in Latah County operate as not-for-profit 501C(3) corporations, are not tax-supported, and receive little assistance from the State of Idaho. The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department provides the only Paramedic level service in the County. The nature of calls for service is increasing and the expectation to provide toptier service for trauma, cardiac, and stroke care is more critical now than ever. For all reasons, agencies within Latah County are seeking a comprehensive assessment of EMS services within the County to provide a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current EMS structure and provide viable recommendations for future action.
