Medical direction
| Florida Statute Chapter 401.265 requires that each basic life support (BLS) transportation service and advanced life support (ALS) service must employ or contract with a medical director. The medical director supervises and assumes direct responsibility for the medical performance of the emergency medical technicians and paramedics operating for that emergency medical services system. |
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On January 1st, 2006, Dr. Peter C. Springer, M.D., FACEP, assumed the duties of Medical Director overseeing Volusia County Emergency Medical Services. Dr. Springer has spent several days observing and training with the Daytona Beach Fire Department.
On Monday March 27, 2006, Dr. Springer completed the "Combat Challenge" and participated in a high-angle/rope rescue training exercise.
The medical director must perform duties including advising, consulting, training, counseling, and overseeing of services, including appropriate quality assurance.
Medical direction for Volusia County’s EMS system is provided by Peter Springer, M.D., FACEP. All EMTs and paramedics with the licensed county and city fire departments, Sheriff’s Office Aviation Division, and EVAC Ambulance operate under Dr. Springer's medical license. Dr. Springer develops and maintains standing orders and protocols which govern life support procedures, oversees training of the EMTs and paramedics, audits the performance of system personnel, and reviews and resolves medical issues that arise. Dr. Springer is also the Medical Director for the Daytona Beach Community College EMT and Paramedic programs through a unique partnership between the County of Volusia and DBCC.
Dr. Springer meets regularly with EMS provider agencies seeking input for system-wide improvements. He leads a quarterly training program for the EMS providers, and conducts formal, criteria-based quality assurance evaluations of the system and it's components.
Dr. Springer also meets regularly with the Emergency Department Directors of the various hospitals in the County through the Medical Advisory Board. These meetings are held to insure a community standard of care by discussing medical protocol changes, quality assurance issues, as well as new medications or medical procedures.
Click here to access the County of Volusia EMS Protocols
EMS
Week is observed nationally during the third week of May each year. It is an excellent
opportunity to recognize the value and accomplishments of emergency medical service
providers and thank them for their dedication.
In the past, EMS Week in Volusia County has
been celebrated with representatives from the various EMS Providers (city fire
departments, County Fire Services, EVAC Ambulance, and hospitals) displaying rescue
vehicles, equipment, educational materials, games, etc. in downtown DeLand. Activities
have included tours of the rescue vehicles, games, face painting, and
interaction with clowns and Smokey the
Bear. Educational materials stressing bicycle safety, water safety and fire safety are
given to the toddlers and schoolchildren. It has been a great way for children to meet
some of their local emergency medical personnel.
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