OVERVIEW/HISTORY

The Emergency Medical Services Division responds to all requests for emergency medical assistance throughout the entire geographic boundaries of Polk County.  The county is approximately 2000 square miles with a population of 540,000. The division is the only State of Florida licensed provider of Advanced Life Support within Polk County.  The Division also transports non-emergency patients that have a medical necessity condition to area medical facilities, both in and out of the county.

The Emergency Medical Services Division was established by the Board of County Commissioners in 1973 to provide emergency prehospital critical care and transport for all Polk County citizens and visitors. The Division is funded by ad valorum taxes and user fees.

The Division recorded 71,000 responses for assistance last year and transported over 58,000 persons to medical facilities. Employees work 24 hours on duty with 48 hours off duty. The Division currently employs 84 full-time and 12 part-time Paramedics along with 87 full-time and 21 part-time Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).

In addition to the main responsibility of providing emergency medical care, the Emergency Medical Services division provides a support role to all county and municipal fire departments on major structure fires.

SECTIONS

The Emergency Medical Services Division is comprised of the following four sections:

         Operations

The Operations section is responsible for the deployment and response of all the Division's Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support ambulances. This section deploys 27 Advanced Life Support ambulances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as well as 3 Basic Life Support (no Paramedic) units that are deployed during normal weekdays. These 30 units are based out of 22 stations located strategically throughout the county. This section is also charged with personnel management, vehicle maintenance and medical supplies. The Operations section is composed of an Operations Manager and 12 Shift Supervisors.

         Medical Control

The Medical Control section is responsible for all aspects of patient care provided by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics affiliated with the Emergency Medical Services Division or a Fire Department.  This involves providing medical direction through the Emergency Medical Services Medical Director, our state-of-the-art treatment protocols and equipment, quality assurance, and continuing medical education. The Medical Control section is composed of a Medical Control Manager and 3 Medical Supervisors.

         Medical Records/Billing

The Medical Records/Billing section is responsible for all patient medical records and documentation. They coordinate and review patient records to assure all pertinent information and forms are attached for proper billing of services, coordinate approvals for medically necessary non-emergencies, and respond to legal inquires regarding patient's records. The Medical Record/Billing section is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached by dialing 863.519.7400.

         Auxiliary

The Polk County Emergency Medical Services Auxiliary is the volunteer section of the Division. This section is comprised of EMTs and Paramedics who provide medical coverage as special details (boat races, car races, etc.), as well as assisting paid personnel. Requirements for auxiliary membership are the same as full and part-time personnel.