Manatee County EMS receives high marks after state inspection

  • 24.08.2010

The Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services recently sent high praise to Manatee County EMS, after a stellar – and unannounced – state inspection.

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Aug. 24, 2010) – John Bixler, Bureau Chief for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Florida Department of Health (DOH), extended “congratulations on your outstanding Compliance Monitoring site survey” in an Aug. 5 letter to Manatee County EMS Chief Ron Koper.


“We found no deficiencies during our site survey,” Bixler wrote. “Your vehicles and service records were outstanding. Thank you for being a role model of excellence as an EMS provider in the state of Florida.”


The Bureau routinely inspects county EMS stations around the state every two years, sometimes unannounced, to ensure compliance with state statutes and Bureau rules. During this summer’s inspection of Manatee EMS, the Bureau:


• inspected personnel files for current driving records;

• checked for state-mandated certifications;

• inspected two ambulances for required equipment;

• verified inventories of EMS medications

 

“It’s pretty much a front to back inspection of what the state requires of an EMS provider,” Koper said. “They found no deficiencies, so it was pretty outstanding for us. Over the years, we’ve developed processes and procedures that have far exceeded state requirements.”


Manatee County EMS includes a staff of just over 150, and 18 EMS vehicles. Koper said the state’s high marks are a reflection of Manatee EMS’ vigilant commitment to a high level of preparation.


“I’m extremely proud of our staff,” Koper said. "They understand and model our commitment to excellence."


For more information, call Koper at (941) 749-3563. To learn more about Manatee County EMS, visit the EMS area of www.mymanatee.org