CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.

A FORK IN THE ROAD: OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN PREHOSPITAL AND OUT-OF-HOSPITAL SERVICES

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.

Our understanding of health care delivery is changing. The patient population is growing. The available worker pool is smaller. Health-related technology is emerging rapidly. And EMS has a choice: adapt to meet the new opportunities or stay on the sidelines and watch what happens. In this thought-provoking session, prepare to be challenged by future-focused thinking about what the EMS of tomorrow could be if we are brave enough to choose the right path.

IGNITING THE INTERNAL FLAME: EXPLORING TRUE MOTIVATION

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    9:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.

For too long, emergency services has had an archaic approach to employee motivation. The promise of a steady job and a regular paycheck, long considered a good deal, has not resonated for new generations of workers, and EMS managers have pushed various incentives and rewards with little success. Join Dave Williams as he explores the workforce principles of what keeps the best employees satisfied and motivated. Participants will be challenged to rethink their approach to strategically managing their human capital.

THE PUBLIC UTILITY TAKEOVERS: WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    9:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.

Some 30 years ago, the public utility model (PUM) was introduced as a startling innovation in EMS system design. This competitively procured, high-performance system was intended to marry local quality control with private provider innovation. Recently, three communities have taken over operations from their private contractors. Join directors from these cities as they share their experiences and answer the question: What does the future hold for this EMS system model?

FORENSIC FINANCE: READING BETWEEN THE LINES

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    11:00 A.M. – NOON

Being able to maintain a financial statement and sticking to a forecasted budget isn’t enough to lead an EMS organization. Costs can be hidden, waste unrecognized and revenues missed. Rick Keller has reviewed the financial operations of hundreds of EMS systems and can quickly analyze and read between the lines of EMS finance. You’ll learn advanced strategies for assessing your organization’s finances and understanding where every dollar is -- or should be.

EXECUTIVE LEGAL BRIEF

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    11:00 A.M. – NOON

From an employer-liability viewpoint, EMS offers an unusual work environment. Co-ed sleeping quarters, rookie hazing and provocative talk are just a few of the common practices that point to trouble. Add Internet access to pornography, movie channels and work e-mail, and a whole host of new issues arise. Nationally recognized EMS attorney Douglas Wolfberg answers the question: Is your organization at risk?

PINNACLE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    NOON – 1:30 P.M.

The Pinnacle Award of Excellence is given annually to a person, organization or system exemplifying commitment to patient care innovation, organizational or system development, or community involvement.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES: OBSTACLES TO IMPROVING EMS SYSTEMS

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

What are the attributes of a quality EMS system? What obstacles lie in the path of achieving high quality EMS? Stephen conducted a one-of-a-kind multi-case study that included a public utility model and a fire-based EMS system. Learn what this qualitative study demonstrated about the roadblocks to improving the quality of EMS systems.

RESUSCITATING AIR MEDICINE

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Air medical evacuation was an early EMS innovation. In recent years, however, the number of providers has exploded, performance quality has been inconsistent, competition has been immense, safety has been a concern, and utilization and efficacy have been called into question. Leading topic expert Chris Zalar will separate myth from reality as she forecasts the future of air medicine.

UNDERSTANDING THE CUSTOMER’S VOICE

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

EMS is one of the few service professions that routinely assumes it knows what its customers need in terms of quality. Some EMS organizations are now surveying patients and asking: How are we doing, according to what’s important to you? Allen, CEO of a community ambulance service near Houston, shares his organization’s experience with patient surveys and how they have transformed his service. Learn how they could transform yours, too.

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: A FIRE DEPARTMENT CASE STUDY

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    4:15 P.M. – 5:15 P.M.

Conversations regarding the fire service and private ambulance providers too often degenerate into “us and them” discussions. What’s the incentive to break through stereotypes and pursue new ways of doing business? Learn how chief officer Forster partnered with a national private ambulance provider to innovatively serve the community.

DATA GALORE: A GIANT SLICE OF THE INDUSTRY

THURSDAY, JULY 31   |    4:15 P.M. – 5:15 P.M.

Have you ever read an article in which data are being reported and thought, That doesn’t match our experience? The EMS industry is evolving to be more evidence-based, but with that comes obstacles: sample sizes, definitions, jurisdictional system configuration variance and call demographics, to name a few. As the director of clinical programs for AMR, the nation’s largest single provider, Scott Bourn draws upon millions of patient data sets for a fascinating and fresh look at who’s doing what, and where.