The state of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Oklahoma is in crisis. Since 2001, over fifty Ambulance Services have closed leaving thousands of Oklahomans without dependable mobile emergency care.

As this trend continues, urgent action is required to overhaul our current EMS laws as the first step in creating a realistic process and system for organizing, funding and operating EMS Districts throughout Oklahoma.    

Current Legislation.

House Bill 1888 passed the Senate unanimously (44-0) Monday, April 20, 2009.  It was introduced by Reps. Doug Cox, Phil Richardson and Paul Roan and passed the House earlier this month. Sent to the Senate, Senator John Sparks introduced the bipartisan bill there with help from Senator Mike Johnson.

The bill signals the end of declining emergency medical service in Oklahoma. In all but the two largest Oklahoma counties, the Ambulance Service District Act asks that local residents meet with State and County officials to address emergency medical care issues in their area and submit an EMS plan to the Legislature and Governor by April 1, 2012. 

Rep. Cox said, "Under this legislation, the State Health Department would work with each county to formulate plans that ensure a coordinated, statewide system to provide emergency medical services."

Medic Institute Director Rodney Johnson, Noble, an EMT and advocate of this legislation, explained, "Today the Senate with a unanimous vote took the necessary steps toward stabilizing the losses of EMS operations across the state.  We wish to thank all involved in drafting and passing this critical legislation and look forward to the final result of this becoming a new law and step forward for emergency healthcare."

Basic Points of HB1888

Many options are available. The Bill gives local residents the ability to develop the type of EMS system they want and provides realistic ways for areas without emergency service to be included. 

Specific points are:

1.  Assigns the Emergency Response Systems Development Advisory Council (ERSDAC) of the State Department of Health responsibility for initiating a required planning process working with

a County Emergency Service Advisory Board for each county comprised of the County Commissioners or their designees.

2.  Simplifies the process for forming a county emergency service, re-districting and consolidation.

3.  Creates funding options with a need for public hearings and approvals by a vote of the people to proceed. No tax levies without approval by a majority of local residents in a public vote.

4.  Establishes a Board of local residents to oversee the organization of the plan and ensure local  control.

5.      Requires licensed ambulance services to respond regardless of patient's ability to pay, geographical funding districts or boundaries unless the EMS plan is not submitted by 2012.

RESULT:  Oklahoma's EMS operations will be realistically organized and funded to provide adequate ambulance service to meet the needs of the people. Grants from the State Department of Health and Rural Development Agencies are available as is other assistance from many state agencies. 

Community volunteers will be asked to help in development of the plan.

Current Status:  Senate vote passed 44-0 on Monday, 4/20/2009.  Will go to Conference Committee where differences between Senate and House versions will be worked out. Once worked out, final version must pass both House and Senate.

The Medic Institute is a statewide, non-profit, member organization formed by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs ) and other career professionals and volunteers involved in emergency medical services. Its purpose is to provide public education, influence policy concerning emergency medical healthcare and develop ideas and legislation that improve the emergency medical service (EMS) system.                                                                   

For More Information Contact:  

Len Dalquest, Medic Institute Media Advisor
  ldalquest@aol.com          

 (918) 782-4261