EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ALS FIRST RESPONDER AGREEMENT (2)EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
ALS FIRST RESPONDER AGREEMENT
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 1, 2024
PINELLAS COUNTY
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
ALS FIRST RESPONDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this day of , 2024, between the
CITY OF CLEARWATER, a Florida municipal corporation ("Contractor"), and the
PINELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY, a special
district ("Authority").
RECITALS
1. The Authority is a special district created for the purpose of providing Emergency
Medical Services throughout Pinellas County ("County"), pursuant to Chapter 80-
585, Laws of Florida and Chapter 54, Article III, Pinellas County Code, as amended
("The Acts").
2. The Authority has determined that a single -tier all Advanced Life Support ("ALS")
EMS system with a first responder component and a transport component is in the
best interest of public safety, health and welfare.
3. The Authority has contracted with various municipalities and independent special
fire districts in the County to provide First Responder Services (as defined herein)
and has also contracted with an Ambulance Contractor to provide ALS emergency
and non -emergency transport services.
4. The Authority wishes to continue to provide for the long-term direction and financial
stability of the entire Emergency Medical Services system through working with
the First Responder agencies to control costs.
5. Authority is authorized to enter into agreements for Emergency Medical Services
and the Contractor is willing and able to provide First Responder Services (as
defined herein).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms and conditions
herein set forth to be kept and performed by and between the parties hereto, it is agreed
as follows:
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ARTICLE I
THE AGREEMENT
SECTION 101. RECITALS AND PURPOSE. The foregoing recitals are hereby
incorporated and made part of this Agreement. The purpose of this Agreement is to
define the obligations and responsibilities of the Parties hereto with respect to the
provision of ALS First Responder Services in the County.
SECTION 102. COOPERATION. The Parties shall cooperate and use all
reasonable efforts, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, to facilitate the terms of this
Agreement. Accordingly, the Parties further agree in good faith to mutually undertake
resolution of disputes, if any, in an equitable and timely manner so as to limit the need for
costly, time-consuming, adversarial proceedings to resolve such disputes.
SECTION 103. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. The following Appendices are attached
to and made part of this Agreement:
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
Appendix F.
ALS First Responder Profile
ALS First Responder Contractors
EMS Equipment
EMS Financial Information Attestation Form
Instructor Reimbursement Form
EMS Coordination Duties and Responsibilities
Subject to Section 912, this Agreement, together with the foregoing Appendices,
constitutes the entire Emergency Medical Services ALS First Responder Agreement
between the Parties with respect to the provision of ALS First Responder Services, except
to the extent that HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires
additional agreements, which will be handled separately, and shall supersede any prior
agreement, contract or memorandum of understanding between the Parties regarding
such services.
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SECTION 104. SCOPE OF SERVICES. The services to be performed by the
Contractor under this Agreement include the following:
(a) The response of an ALS First Responder Unit to the scene of an EMS Incident.
(b) The on -scene Patient care by Field Personnel.
(c) The continuation of Patient care, when Contractor's Paramedic accompanies the
Patient during transport by the Ambulance Provider or medical helicopter.
(d) The transport of Patients to a medical facility by a Rescue Unit shall be in
accordance with Florida Statute 401.33 and the then current Medical Operations
Manual, Transport Protocols.
(e) The episodic utilization of CME Instructors and Public Educators/Community
Paramedics by participating Contractors.
Such services shall be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. The specific terms and conditions of this Agreement shall govern and prevail
over this Section 104.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 201. WORDS AND TERMS. Unless the context otherwise requires,
capitalized terms used herein shall have the following meanings ascribed to them:
"ALS" means Advanced Life Support.
"ALS First Responder Services" means the response of an ALS First Responder Unit
to an EMS Incident and, if necessary, on -scene Patient care by EMTs and
Paramedics, all in accordance with the protocols of the Authority.
"ALS First Responder Station" means any location designated by the Contractor and
approved by the Authority at which an ALS First Responder Unit, with the minimum
staffing required herein, is located.
"ALS First Responder Unit" means any of the ALS permitted vehicles provided by
Contractor under this Agreement and listed on Appendix A; each of which is
equipped to provide Advanced Life Support services and is used for rapid
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response to an EMS Incident. ALS First Responder Units may include, but not be
limited to: ALS engines, Transport capable rescue units and non -Transport
capable rescue units.
"Advanced Life Support" means treatment of life-threatening medical emergencies
through the use of techniques such as endotracheal intubation, the administration
of drugs or intravenous fluids, cardiac monitoring, and cardiac defibrillation by a
qualified person, pursuant to rules of the Department.
"Advanced Practice Paramedic" or "APP" means a certified paramedic who, through
additional training and demonstration of expertise, is authorized by the EMS
Medical Director to perform specific diagnostic and/or therapeutic modalities
beyond the usual scope of practice of a certified Paramedic. The APP's expanded
scope of practice applies only during the operation of, and in support of, the specific
special operations team to which they are trained and certified as defined in the
EMS Rules and Regulations.
"Ambulance" means a vehicle constructed, equipped and permitted as an ALS
Ambulance, pursuant to the rules of the Department for the transportation of
Patients.
"Ambulance Contractor" means the entity selected by the Authority to provide
ambulance service countywide.
"Annual Compensation" means the professional services fee listed on Appendix A, as
may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
"Annual External Audit" means an audit conducted by an external certified public
accountant, retained by the Contractor, who at the end of each Fiscal Year verifies
and attests that the Contractor has complied with the requirement to utilize EMS
funds solely for EMS purposes in accordance with Section 706 through the
submission of the form shown on Appendix D.
"Authority" means the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority, a special
district established by Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, as amended.
"Authority Funded Unit" means an ALS First Responder Unit authorized and funded by
the Authority pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
"Automatic Aid/Closest Unit Response Agreement" means the agreement by and
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between every political subdivision and fire control districts within Pinellas County
dated October 16, 1990.
"BLS" means Basic Life Support.
"BLS First Responder Unit" means a vehicle equipped to provide Basic Life Support
only.
"Basic Life Support" means treatment of medical emergencies by a qualified person
through the use of techniques described in the Emergency Medical Technician
Basic Training Course Curriculum of the United States Department of
Transportation.
"CAD" means the computer aided dispatch system.
"Caller" means a person accessing the response system by telephone.
"Condition 1" means the normal operation of the EMS System in which Patient
Transport is handled by the Ambulance Contractor.
"Condition 3 Medical" or "Condition 3M" means the procedure to allow ALS First
Responder Transport of Patients utilizing Rescue Units during peak periods at the
request and approval of the Executive Director or designee.
"Continuing Medical Education" or "CME" means the medical education training
program, through distance learning or classroom -based courses, provided in
accordance with the EMS Rules & Regulations.
"CME Instructor" means a County Certified Paramedic, County Certified EMT or County
Certified nurse, employed and approved by a Contractor or the Ambulance
Contractor, who meets the qualifications set forth in the EMS Rules & Regulations
and is approved by the Medical Director. CME Instructors may be utilized to teach
regular CME classes, specialized Courses, EMS System orientation or serve as a
subject matter expert, curriculum developer or to complete a specific task
assignment.
"Contractor" means any one of the entities described on Appendix B.
"Contractor Funded Unit" means an ALS First Responder Unit, approved by the
Executive Director, which is funded and operated by the Contractor for their
operational flexibility, but, the additional Unit is not necessary for the Contractor to
meet its obligations under the terms of this Agreement.
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"County" means Pinellas County, Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida.
"County Certified" means authorized to work in the EMS System in accordance with
requirements established by the Medical Control Board, the Medical Director and
approved by the Authority.
"Course" means any individual CME offering available online through a sufficient number
of classroom -based training classes. Regular CME Courses, whether online or
classroom based, will be two (2) hours in duration.
"Department" means the State of Florida Department of Health.
"Disaster" means an occurrence of a severity and magnitude that normally results in
death, injuries and/or property damage and that cannot be managed through
routine procedures and resources of the EMS system.
"Emergency Medical Technician" or "EMT" means any person who is trained in Basic
Life Support, who is County Certified and who is certified by the Department to
perform such services in emergency situations.
"Emergency Medical Services" or "EMS" means the services provided by the
Contractor pursuant to Section 104.
"EMS Advisory Council" means the advisory board established by the Special Act.
"EMS Districts" means the districts designated by Authority pursuant to the Special Act
and Resolution 14-66, as may be amended.
"EMS Emergency" means any occurrence or threat thereof in the County, any
municipalities therein, or in Pasco, Hillsborough or Manatee County, which may
result in unusual system overload and is designated as an EMS Emergency by the
Executive Director or Authority.
"EMS Equipment" means the equipment listed on Appendix C, as may be amended
from time to time by the Executive Director.
"EMS Incident" means an emergency or non -emergency request processed through the
Regional 9-1-1 Center that needs or is likely to need medical services.
"Emergency Response" means, for the purposes of measuring response time
compliance in Section 403, the act of responding to a request for services in which
the Priority Dispatch Protocols have determined that red lights and sirens will be
used.
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"EMS Mill" means the ad valorem real property tax imposed by the Authority pursuant to
the "Special Act", Laws of Florida, as amended.
"EMS Ordinance" means Chapter 54, Article III of the Pinellas County Code, as may
be amended.
"EMS System" means the network of organizations and individuals, including, but not
limited to the Authority, Ambulance Contractor, the Contractors, the EMS Advisory
Council, the Medical Control Board and the Medical Director, established to
provide Emergency Medical Services in Pinellas County.
"Executive Director" means the Director of the EMS System, or his or her designee.
"First Due Unit" means the ALS First Responder Unit, within Contractor's primary
response area, predetermined to be the nearest to the EMS Incident, in
accordance with Section 409 hereof.
"Field Personnel" means Paramedics and EMTs employed by Contractor.
"First Responder Services" means ALS First Responder Services.
"Fiscal Year" means the year commencing on October 1 of any given year and ending
on September 30 of the immediately succeeding year.
"Force Majeure" means any act, event, or condition, other than a labor strike, work
stoppage or slowdown, that has had or may reasonably be expected to have a
direct material adverse effect on the rights or obligations of either Party under this
Agreement, and such act, event, or condition is beyond the reasonable control of
the Party relying thereon as justification for not performing an obligation or
complying with any condition required of such Party under this Agreement, and is
not the result of willful or negligent action or a lack of reasonable diligence of the
Party relying thereon. Such acts or events may include but shall not be limited to:
an act of God (except normal weather conditions for the County), epidemic,
landslide, or similar occurrence, an act of the public enemy, war, blockade,
insurrection, riot, general arrest or restraint of government and people, civil
disturbance or similar occurrence.
"Just Culture" means the framework of assuring patient safety through error prevention
and process improvement; assuring and improving the quality of Patient care and
Client services; supporting a professional environment and culture that
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encourages and supports our Certified Professionals; understands human errors
occur and how accountability is assured through consoling, coaching, counseling,
Remedial Training or corrective action.
"Learning Management System" means the integrated fire and EMS software system
utilized by Provider Agencies for online training, classroom -based training
attendance tracking, in-service education; dissemination of administrative and
medical control directives, tracking receipt of protocols and directives, skill
assessment and testing results. Authority's staff and Medical Director shall have
administrative rights to upload Emergency Medical Services Continuing Medical
Education and post CME curriculum, in-service training modules, administrative
and medical control directives, run attendance and grade reports for all students,
and reports for CME Instructor activity. All Contractors will utilize the common
software platform, Target Solutions, or a successor software product as
determined by the Authority upon agreement with the CME steering committee as
defined in the EMS Rules & Regulations.
"Medic Unit" means a non -Transport capable ALS First Responder Unit.
"Medical Case Review" means a review conducted by the EMS Medical Director or
designee, with all Certified Professionals involved with a case, to closely examine
the care of a Patient using a positive and educational approach to determine where
gaps in knowledge or errors occurred. Such Medical Case Reviews shall be
conducted with a Just Culture framework to ensure a positive and supportive
culture that encourages quality Patient care.
"Medical Control" means the medical supervision of the EMS System provided by the
Medical Director.
"Medical Control Board" means the board appointed by Authority pursuant to the EMS
Ordinance and having the duties and responsibilities set forth in the EMS
Ordinance.
"Medical Direction" means supervision by Medical Control through two-way
communication or through established standing orders, pursuant to rules of the
Department.
"Medical Director" means a licensed physician, or a corporation, association, or
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partnership composed of physicians, which employs a licensed physician for the
purpose of providing Medical Control to the EMS System.
"Medical Operations Manual" means the clinical guidelines, prepared for the EMS
System and approved by the Medical Control Board, as the same may be amended
from time to time.
"On -Scene Equipment Exchange Program" means the Authority's program whereby
an equipment item, such as backboards and immobilization devices, which many
be amended by the Executive Director, is employed by Contractor in the course of
preparing a Patient for transport and the ambulance personnel replaces the same
from its own on -board inventory.
"Paramedic" means a person who is trained in Basic and Advanced Life Support, who
is County Certified, and who is certified by the Department to perform Basic and
Advanced Life Support procedures pursuant to the provisions of state statute,
regulations and the Medical Operations Manual.
"Party" or "Parties" means either the Authority or the Contractor, or both, as the context
of the usage of such term may require.
"Patient" means an individual who is ill, sick, injured, wounded or otherwise
incapacitated and is in need of or is at risk of needing medical care.
"Priority Dispatch Protocols" means the protocols adopted by the Authority, and as
may be amended from time to time, governing the EMS System's response to the
different types of service requests.
"Public Educator/Community Paramedic" means a County Certified Paramedic or
County Certified EMT, or approved public educator employed and approved by a
Contractor or the Ambulance Contractor, who meets the qualifications set forth in
the EMS Rules & Regulations and is approved by the Medical Director. Public
Educators/Community Paramedics may be utilized to teach CPR, first aid,
drowning prevention, fall prevention or any other type of EMS specific public
education, or prevention program or established community paramedic/outreach
program or to complete a specific task assignment related to EMS public
education/community outreach.
"Regional 9-1-1 Center" means the Communications Center and related telephone,
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radio and data systems operated and maintained by Pinellas County as the
countywide Public Safety Answering Point for the purpose of receiving 9-1-1 calls
from citizens; providing emergency medical dispatch following the Priority Dispatch
Protocols; providing for the dispatch of all BLS and ALS First Responder Units to
EMS Incidents; and providing for the ongoing communications via radio and
wireless data systems.
"Rescue Unit" means a transport capable ALS First Responder Unit.
"Response" means the act of responding to a request for services, which act begins
when ALS First Responder Units are dispatched to an EMS Incident.
"Response Time" means the period of time commencing when an ALS First Responder
Unit is dispatched to an EMS Incident and ending when Contractor's first ALS First
Responder Unit arrives on the scene of the incident.
"Rules and Regulations" means the rules and regulations adopted by the Authority,
which is subject to amendment.
"Run Cards" means the Regional 9-1-1 Center's computer aided dispatch software
database that, based upon the location of the EMS Incident and a predetermined
listing of ALS First Responder Units which the Contractor has determined to be the
closest by travel time or most appropriate in ranked order, recommends the closest
or most appropriate ALS First Responder Unit(s) to respond to EMS Incidents, or
successor methods such as global positioning satellite (GPS) automatic vehicle
location (AVL) systems.
"Special Act" means Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, as amended.
"Special Events" means non -emergency events, such as sporting events, parades,
festivals and other group or mass gatherings, which may require BLS or ALS
medical coverage.
"State" means the State of Florida.
"State of Emergency" means a Disaster which has been declared by proclamation of
the State, County or a municipality in the County.
"Total Unit Hour Compensation" means Unit Hour Compensation multiplied by the
number of Authority Funded Units provided by this Agreement.
"Traffic Preemption System" means a comprehensive system provided by the Authority
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that overrides the normal operation of traffic signals during the emergency
response of an ALS First Responder Unit to reduce Emergency Response Times
and increase safety. Such system changes the upcoming traffic signal to green or
holds a green signal so the ALS First Responder Unit can safely proceed through
the intersection.
"Transport" means the transportation of Patients to a medical facility by Ambulance or
Rescue Unit.
"Uncontrollable Circumstance" means a Force Majeure, an EMS Emergency or a
State of Emergency.
"Unforeseen Circumstances" means circumstances which could not reasonably be
foreseen by the Parties at the time of execution of this Agreement.
"Unit Compensation" means the Annual Compensation in a Fiscal Year divided by the
number of Authority Funded Units provided by this Agreement.
"Unit Hour Compensation" means the Unit Compensation divided by Eight Thousand,
Seven Hundred and Sixty (8,760) Hours.
SECTION 202. TERMS GENERALLY. Whenever the context may require, any
pronoun shall include corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words
"include", "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase
"without limitation", except as the context may otherwise require. The words "agree",
"agreement", "approval" and "consent" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase
"which shall not be unreasonably withheld or unduly delayed", except as the context may
otherwise require.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS
SECTION 301. REPRESENTATIONS OF AUTHORITY. Authority represents to
Contractor that each of the following statements is presently true and correct:
(a) Existing. Authority has all requisite power and authority to carry on its
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business as now conducted and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and each
document contemplated hereunder to which it is or will be a party.
(b) Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all
necessary action on the part of and has been or will be duly executed and delivered by
Authority and neither the execution and delivery thereof, nor compliance with the terms
and provisions thereof or hereof contravenes any existing law, judgment, government
rule, regulation or order applicable to or binding on Authority.
(c) Enforceability. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of Authority enforceable against Authority in accordance with the terms thereof,
except as such enforceability may be affected or limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws, from time to time in effect, which affect creditor's rights
generally and subject to usual equitable principles in the event that equitable remedies
are involved.
(d) Financial Capability. Authority is fully capable, financially and otherwise,
to perform its obligations hereunder, subject to availability of funds lawfully appropriated
for the purposes provided in this Agreement.
(e) No Litigation. There are no pending, or to the knowledge of Authority,
threatened actions or proceedings before any court or administrative agency to which
Authority is a party, questioning the validity of this Agreement or any document or action
contemplated hereunder, or which are likely, in any case or in the aggregate, to materially
adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
SECTION 302. REPRESENTATIONS OF CONTRACTOR. Contractor represents
to Authority that each of the following statements is presently true and correct:
(a) Existing. Contractor is a Florida municipal corporation or independent
special district having all requisite power and authority in Florida to carry on its business
as now conducted, to own or hold or otherwise control its properties, and to enter into and
perform its obligations under this Agreement and under each instrument described herein
to which it is or will be party.
(b) Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all
necessary action on the part of and has been duly executed and delivered by Contractor
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and neither the execution and delivery thereof, nor compliance with the terms and
provisions thereof or hereof contravenes any existing law, judgment, government rule,
regulation or order applicable to or binding on the Contractor.
(c) Enforceability. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of Contractor enforceable against Contractor in accordance with the terms
thereof, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or similar laws, from time to time in effect, which affect creditor's rights generally and
subject to usual equitable principles in the event that equitable remedies are involved.
(d) No Litigation. There are no pending, or to the knowledge of Contractor,
threatened actions or proceedings before any court or administrative agency to which
Contractor is a party, questioning the validity of this Agreement or any document or action
contemplated hereunder, or which are likely, in any case or in the aggregate to materially
adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
(e) Financial Capability. Contractor is fully capable, financially and otherwise,
to perform its obligations hereunder subject to availability of funds lawfully appropriated
for the purposes provided in this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR
SECTION 401. VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.
(a) Obligation to Provide Vehicles. At all times during the term of this
Agreement, Contractor shall provide the number of Authority Funded Units described on
Appendix A. Contractor reserves the right to select and acquire vehicles and apparatus
used in the performance of this Agreement.
(b) Maintenance of Vehicles and Fuel. Contractor shall be responsible for
the maintenance and repair of ALS First Responder Units and for furnishing maintenance,
equipment, supplies, repairs, spare parts, replacement vehicles and fuel. Contractor shall
maintain records of maintenance and fuel in order to document that ALS First Responder
Units are maintained and used in accordance with this Agreement.
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(c) Staffing of Vehicles. Each ALS First Responder Unit shall be staffed in
compliance with Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, with a minimum of one (1) Paramedic.
Contractor shall maintain records of staffing in order to document that ALS First
Responder Units are staffed in accordance with this Agreement.
(d) Equipment and Supplies. With the exception of equipment maintained by
the Authority in Section 507, Contractor shall furnish and maintain all EMS Equipment,
required to be provided by the Contractor pursuant to Appendix C. Contractor shall also
be responsible for the cost of replacing outdated medical supplies as provided in Section
504, which are lost through inadequate stock rotation; as well as the cost of medical
supplies which are lost, stolen, damaged, or unaccounted for due to Contractor's
negligence. The Authority shall be responsible for the cost of any medical supplies which
are lost, stolen, or damaged due to a cause other than Contractor's negligence.
Contractor shall be subject to the Authority's On -Scene Equipment Exchange Program.
(e) Medical Communications Equipment. Contractor shall be responsible
for the replacement of all medical communications equipment that is lost, stolen or
damaged due to Contractor's negligence. Contractor shall also be responsible for all
routine maintenance of such equipment. The Authority shall be responsible for the
replacement of any medical communications equipment that is lost, stolen or damaged
due to a cause other than Contractor's negligence.
(f) Inspections. Contractor shall allow representatives of the Authority and of
the Medical Director to inspect ALS First Responder Units, equipment and ALS First
Responder Stations as may be reasonably required to determine compliance with this
Agreement.
(g) Patient Care Reporting System Equipment. Contractor shall be
responsible for the replacement of all field equipment for the Patient Care Reporting
System (e.g. notebook computers) that is lost, stolen or damaged due to Contractor's
negligence. The Authority shall be responsible for the replacement of field equipment for
the Patient Care Reporting System that is lost, stolen or damaged due to a cause other
than Contractor's negligence.
SECTION 402. PRIORITY DISPATCH PROTOCOLS. Contractor shall respond to
EMS Incidents in accordance with the then current Priority Dispatch Protocols. Contractor
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and the Authority shall cooperate in implementing periodic enhancements and
improvements to the Priority Dispatch Protocols.
SECTION 403. RESPONSE TIME. Response Time to not less than ninety percent
(90%) of all EMS Incidents in a Fiscal Year which are (1) prioritized as an Emergency
Response; (2) are within Contractor's EMS District; and (3) for which Contractor's ALS
First Responder Unit is determined, in accordance with Section 409, to be the First Due
Unit, shall be within seven (7) minutes and thirty (30) seconds or less; provided, however,
that such Response Time standard shall not be applicable to Responses which occur
during periods of Uncontrollable Circumstances or to Responses to remote areas or areas
of limited accessibility, as requested by Contractor and approved by the Executive
Director. The Authority and the Contractor desire to maintain Response Times for each
EMS District at or below the Response Times now enjoyed by each respective EMS
District. Such level of service is met by Authority Funded Units.
SECTION 404. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION.
(a) Field Personnel. Contractor shall make available its EMS personnel for
Continuing Medical Education as required by state regulation, Rules and Regulations and
the Medical Control Board. Satisfactory participation by Contractor's Field Personnel in
Continuing Medical Education provided and made available by the Authority shall
constitute fulfillment of this obligation. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that
its Field Personnel attend Continuing Medical Education training, either in classroom -
based training or distance learning methods as determined by the Medical Director, in
accordance with the Rules and Regulations. Contractor may prepare and submit to the
Executive Director a report evaluating performance of the CME program. Contractor shall
use any prepared forms that the Authority requests it to use for this evaluation.
(b) CME Instructors. Contractors will use their best efforts to provide a
sufficient number of CME Instructors to conduct courses. The Authority will use its best
efforts to provide a sufficient number of classes available at regional training sites on
days, times and shifts necessary to maximize the availability of First Responder units and
ambulances up to one hundred eighty (180) classes per regular CME Course or ninety
(90) classes for paramedic only CME Courses. Contractors understand the Authority is
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responsible for the provision of CME instruction and if the pool of CME Instructors made
available by the Contractors is deemed inadequate or insufficient by the Authority, the
Authority may elect to provide the CME program directly or through another means.
SECTION 405. MEDICAL QUALITY CONTROL.
(a) Medical Director. The Medical Director of the EMS System shall also
serve as medical director of Contractor's EMS or ALS First Responder Services.
Contractor may not use or employ another Medical Director for the provision of
Emergency Medical Services within Contractor's EMS District.
(b) Rules and Regulations: Protocols. Contractor shall fully comply with the
Rules and Regulations, including the protocols established in the Medical Operations
Manual.
(c) Ride -Along. Contractor shall allow the Medical Director and the Executive
Director or their representative to ride in ALS First Responder Units during Responses to
EMS Incidents. However, such representatives shall conduct themselves in a
professional and courteous manner, shall not interfere with Contractor's employees in the
performance of their duties, except as necessary to assure protocol compliance and good
Patient care, and shall at all times be respectful of Contractor's employee/employer
relationship. The Medical Director, Executive Director, or their representatives, shall
provide proof of employment, proof of workers' compensation insurance and shall
complete any waiver or release forms which may be required by the Contractor prior to
riding in ALS First Responder Units.
(d) On -Scene Patient Care. Contractor shall comply at all times with the
Authority's protocol for on -scene control of Patient care. If Contractor's Paramedic is
requested to ride to the hospital with the Ambulance Contractor's Paramedic, Contractor's
Paramedic shall comply. Contractor's Paramedic may also decide to ride to the hospital
with Ambulance Contractor's Paramedic. Contractor shall be responsible for the return of
the Paramedic from the hospital.
(e) Special Events. In the event Contractor provides either BLS or ALS
medical coverage at a Special Event in their EMS District, Contractor shall be under the
auspices of the Authority, the Medical Control Board and the Medical Director. In
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providing medical coverage at a Special Event, Contractor shall comply with the Rules
and Regulations and with the protocols established in the Medical Operations Manual.
Authority Funded Units will not be used for dedicated special events coverage without the
written approval of the Executive Director. Contractor and Authority will notify each other
of large-scale Special Events, which may require additional resources or adversely affect
the EMS System, to ensure coordinated event coverage.
(f) Quality Assurance. Contractor shall adhere to the quality assurance and
quality management program established by the Medical Director and shall participate in
quality assurance reviews.
SECTION 406. MEDICAL CASE REVIEWS. Medical Case Reviews may include
access to data, records review, written and verbal statements by Field Personnel and
EMS Coordinator, and attendance at interviews and informal and formal hearings, in
accordance with the then current EMS Rules and Regulations and Florida Statute
401.425. Contractor shall cooperate in obtaining such records, verbal and written
statements and ensure that its Field Personnel attend Medical Case Reviews when
reasonably requested.
SECTION 407. PERSONNEL.
(a) Training and Qualifications. All Field Personnel employed by the
Contractor in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be trained and qualified
at a level consistent with the standard established by the Authority for delivering Patient
care and shall hold appropriate credentials in their respective EMS profession.
(b) Standard of Conduct. Contractor's personnel shall conduct themselves in
a professional and courteous manner at all times. Contractor shall address and correct
any departures from this standard of conduct. Contractor's Field Personnel shall be easily
identified as EMTs or Paramedics while on scene of an EMS Incident.
(c) Part -Time Employment. Contractor shall not unreasonably restrict its
employees from seeking or performing part-time employment with Authority's Ambulance
Contractor.
(d) EMS Coordinator. Contractor shall designate a County Certified
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Paramedic as the EMS Coordinator who will be responsible for performing or supervising,
at a minimum, the duties and responsibilities of EMS Coordination in accordance with
Appendix F.
SECTION 408. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
(a) State of Emergency Assistance within Pinellas County. Immediately
upon notification by the Authority of a State of Emergency within Pinellas County,
Contractor shall commit such resources as mutually agreed upon by the Parties, given
the nature of the State of Emergency and shall assist in accordance with applicable plans
and protocols mutually agreed upon by the Parties. During a State of Emergency,
Contractor shall be released from the requirements of Section 403 and the time
requirements of Section 704(a). When Contractor ceases providing assistance with the
State of Emergency, Contractor shall resume normal operations as rapidly as is practical
and notify the Authority's authorized representative that Contractor is able to resume
normal operations considering exhaustion of personnel, need for restocking and other
relevant considerations.
(b) State of Emergency Assistance Outside of Pinellas County. Contractor
shall manage any State of Emergency assistance response outside of Pinellas County in
a manner which does not prevent Contractor from rendering services in accordance with
this Agreement.
(c) EMS Emergency. Immediately upon notification by the Authority of an
EMS Emergency, Contractor shall assist in the locality where the EMS Emergency has
occurred. The level of assistance provided by Contractor shall be mutually agreed upon
by the Parties. During an EMS Emergency, the Contractor shall be released from the
requirements of Section 403. When Contractor ceases providing assistance during an
EMS Emergency, Contractor shall resume normal operations as rapidly as is practical
considering exhaustion of personnel, need for restocking, and other relevant
considerations. During the course of an EMS Emergency, Contractor shall use best
efforts to continue to provide local ALS emergency coverage.
(d) Condition 3M. During periods of Condition 3M, Contractors with Rescue
Units shall Transport Patients from EMS Incidents to area hospitals. Contractor shall
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follow the then current Medical Operations Manual Protocols or medical control directives.
(e) Mutual Aid. Mutual aid responses outside of Pinellas County, rendered by
the Contractor outside of Pinellas County that are not due to a State of Emergency or
EMS Emergency, shall be performed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
SECTION 409. AUTOMATIC AID/CLOSEST UNIT RESPONSE. Upon notification
by the Regional 9-1-1 Center of an EMS Incident, Contractor shall provide ALS First
Responder Services in accordance with the Automatic Aid/Closest Unit Response
Agreement. The ALS First Responder Unit which is predetermined to be the closest to
the emergency scene, by the Run Cards, shall be dispatched without regard to EMS
District or jurisdictional boundaries. In the event that the Automatic Aid/Closest Unit
Response Agreement is terminated, Contractor shall provide ALS First Responder
Services in accordance with the then current Run Cards for all EMS Incidents. The
Contractor's authorized representative will periodically, or at the request of the Authority,
update their Run Cards to ensure their accuracy and coordinate any changes with any
affected Contractor(s).
SECTION 410. MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND INVENTORY CONTROL. Contractor
shall establish and implement inventory control procedures for the stocking and use of
medical supplies. Contractor shall report, as of September 30th during each year this
Agreement is in effect, the balance of all medical supplies held by the Contractor in
inventory. Such report will list the item's identification number, the item's description, and
the quantity held. Contractor will report the quantity of medical supplies which are lost,
damaged, or unaccounted for, due to Contractor's negligence, and medical supplies
unusable due to inadequate stock rotation. Contractor agrees to not maintain more than
thirty (30) days of medical supplies in stock based upon historical use. Contractor shall
maintain inventory records that identify all ALS First Responder Unit supplies issued from
stock and will keep stock under lock so that access is limited to only authorized personnel.
Contractor shall adhere to inventory control procedures that the Authority may require, as
long as they are reasonable and prudent. Contractor shall follow all federal, state and
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local laws and protocols in the distribution and handling of controlled substances.
Contractor shall provide list of personnel authorized to receive controlled substances from
the warehouse and any change to such list.
SECTION 411. PATIENT CARE REPORTING SYSTEM. Contractor shall
cooperate with the Authority in refining and improving the fully integrated, electronic
patient care reporting system. This system shall meet the information needs of the
Contractor, the Medical Director, the Medical Control Board and the Authority. Contractor
shall gather and enter data into the Authority's electronic patient care reporting system
for every Patient encountered and every EMS Incident responded to by the Contractor's
Field Personnel. Operating costs of this information system shall be the responsibility of
the Authority. The Executive Director shall determine the start date and implementation
timeline to ensure seamless implementation in the EMS System.
The database of the Authority's patient care reporting system shall be fully
comprehensive, including complete and integrated information on all EMS System
activities beginning with the receipt of an EMS Incident; dispatch activities and Response
Times; every Patient assessment and all treatment rendered while Contractor's Field
Personnel are attending the Patient. Contractor shall require Field Personnel to comply
with the completion of patient care reports and the data entry requirements of the EMS
System and ensure the accuracy and completeness of such reports, as approved and
periodically revised by the Authority. Authority agrees that the procedures used to
implement and operate the electronic patient care reporting system shall be mutually
agreed upon by the Parties.
Contractor shall have unlimited access, regardless of storage location or medium,
to electronic patient care reports generated by the Contractor's EMS personnel and all
dispatch -related data.
Contractor and Authority shall work collaboratively to evaluate software and data
systems utilized in the delivery of ALS First Responder Services to ensure data is readily
available to perform quality assurance and quality improvement by the Contractor and the
Authority and such systems support Field Personnel in rendering patient care and
responding to EMS Incidents.
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SECTION 412. UTILIZATION OF REGIONAL 9-1-1 CENTER.
u Regional 9-1-1 Center. Contractor shall utilize the Regional 9-1-1 Center
for the dispatch of all BLS and ALS First Responder Units to EMS Incidents. Contractor
shall utilize the Regional 9-1-1 Center's radio and data systems to include, but not limited
to, computer aided dispatch (CAD) software, mobile communications terminal software,
and the County's public safety and intergovernmental voice and data radio system.
Contractor shall provide and maintain all fire station alerting systems, base
stations, pagers, fire station computers and peripherals, all mobile and portable radios
except as provided in Section 503, and mobile communications terminals and radio
modems to communicate with the Regional 9-1-1 Center's radio and data system
following the County's technical specifications.
Authority shall provide and maintain, at no cost to the Contractor, all necessary
broadband networking from Fire Stations to the Regional 9-1-1 Center's data system,
access to the County's 800MHz High Performance Data (HPD) system, and cellular
airtime for all Authority and Contractor Funded Units and reserve Units following the
County's technical specifications.
Authority shall provide a mutually agreed upon appropriate planning phase, cost
analysis, changes in the County's technical specifications, and implementation plan for
any future upgrades or system changes.
Contractor shall ensure all frontline ALS First Responder Units are equipped with
GPS enabled mobile communications terminals running mobile CAD software. Contractor
shall ensure GPS enabled mobile communications terminals are kept in working order
and repaired in a timely manner to ensure efficient and accurate dispatch.
Requests for Emergency Medical Assistance. Should Contractor
receive any request for emergency medical assistance, including walk-ins, Contractor
shall record the address and telephone number of the caller, obtain the location and
nature of the emergency, shall immediately respond to the request for emergency medical
assistance, if appropriate, and shall immediately advise the 9-1-1 Center of the
information received, and the Response initiated by Contractor, if any.
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SECTION 413. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. Contractor is encouraged to make
available to their local community, health promotions and prevention education (i.e., CPR
training, public access defibrillation programs, drowning prevention, health risk
assessments). The programs may be developed by the individual contractor or in
coordination with the Medical Director or the Authority.
Contractor may elect to participate in the Authority's public
education/prevention/community outreach/community paramedic programs that are
established, as set forth in the EMS Rules and Regulations and approved by the Medical
Director. Public Educators/Community Paramedics may be utilized to teach CPR, first
aid, drowning prevention, fall prevention or any other type of EMS specific public
education, or prevention program or established community paramedic/outreach
program.
SECTION 414. LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION. Contractor shall maintain the
appropriate licensure with the Department as an ALS provider. Contractor or Contractor's
employees, as the case may be, shall be responsible for payment of any fees associated
with EMS and Paramedic certification and recertification using funds provided under this
Agreement.
SECTION 415. ACCURATE INFORMATION. Any news releases, statements, or
public information given by the Contractor's or Authority's personnel to the public or the
media shall accurately reflect the design and operation of the EMS system.
SECTION 416 CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SERVICES (CJIS).
Contractor shall ensure all Personnel that have access to the CAD System and system
information have received criminal background screening by the Florida Department of
Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) to the CJIS Level
2 requirements and have complied with all initial and ongoing training requirements.
Personnel that have been denied CJIS Level 2 clearance shall not access the CAD
System. Contractor shall have in place local policy to ensure that all rules required by the
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FDLE surrounding access to CAD and the information contained within are strictly
followed.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITY
SECTION 501. MEDICAL DIRECTION AND CONTROL. The Authority shall be
responsible for providing, or cause to be provided, Medical Direction and Medical Control
to the Contractor.
SECTION 502. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION. Authority shall provide and
make available to Contractor a Continuing Medical Education training program at multiple,
regionally located training sites and not at a single, centralized training site. Authority
shall endeavor to utilize distance learning methodologies and technology to deliver CME
training whenever possible.
SECTION 503. MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Authority has
provided, or shall provide, as applicable, one (1) 800 MHZ Mobile Radio, and one (1) 800
MHZ Portable Radio for each Authority Funded Unit. Authority funded Medic Units and
Rescue Units will receive one (1) additional 800 MHZ Portable Radio. The radio
equipment shall be installed in the Authority Funded Units by the Contractor and become
Contractor's property. Contractor shall be responsible for such equipment, as provided
for in Section 401(e) hereof. Authority shall be responsible for replacing such equipment
at the end of its reasonable useful life, as determined by the Authority. The Authority's
plan is phased replacement of this equipment over the term of the Agreement subject to
available funding.
SECTION 504. MEDICAL SUPPLIES. The Authority shall provide and replace, as
necessary, without cost to Contractor, the medical supplies used by Contractor in
rendering Patient care under this Agreement. The Authority shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, all medical supplies, except controlled substances, every two weeks to
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Contractor's designated medical supply receiving location. Contractor's authorized
representative shall sign for and pick up controlled substances at a central location
designated by the Authority. The Authority shall not be responsible for costs of replacing
inventory items lost, stolen, damaged or unaccounted for due to Contractor's negligence
but the Authority shall be responsible for the costs of replacing inventory items lost, stolen
damaged or unaccounted for due to a cause other than Contractor's negligence. Where
applicable, Contractor shall relocate supplies nearing their expiration dates to ALS First
Responder Units serving areas of higher demand within their EMS District. All
medications and supplies shall be returned to the Authority not later than sixty (60) days
after the respective expiration dates. If such medications and supplies are not returned
to Authority within sixty (60) days after their respective expiration dates, or at the direction
of the Medical Director, Contractor shall be charged for the replacement of such supplies.
A fully comprehensive narcotic control system shall be provided by the Authority to
include boxes, electronic locks, and web -based tracking software.
SECTION 505. EXTRAORDINARY MODIFICATIONS. Notwithstanding the
provision of Section 401(b) hereof, Authority shall separately provide and fund any
modifications to ALS First Responder Units or equipment which may be required by the
Authority and which do not constitute routine maintenance, repair or replacement.
SECTION 506. BILLING. The Authority shall have sole responsibility for submitting
claims for transports made by either the Authority or by Contractor.
SECTION 507. ECG EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE. The Authority shall
provide all electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring/defibrillation equipment for Authority
Funded and Contractor Funded Units including adequate spare equipment (up to 30%
above the number of Units). Contractor agrees to continue using the Contractor's current
equipment on any Contractor Funded Units over its useful life which equipment will be
maintained by the Authority and repaired or replaced at the Authority's option. The
Authority shall be responsible for replacing such equipment at the end of a reasonable
useful life, as determined by the Authority. At the point that the equipment is replaced
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with new equipment, the Contractor will transfer ownership of the equipment being
replaced to the Authority who will trade in the used equipment to reduce the cost of
replacement. Contractor shall be responsible for any repairs that are necessary due to
Contractor's negligence.
SECTION 508. BIOHAZARD WASTE COLLECTION. The Authority shall provide
or cause to be provided, the collection and disposal of all biohazard waste from ALS First
Responder Stations on a periodic basis, no less than monthly. Contractor shall follow
any procedures necessary for biohazard waste to be collected.
SECTION 509. PATIENT CARE REPORTING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT. Authority
shall provide, as applicable, a ruggedized notebook or tablet computer for each Authority
Funded and Contractor Funded Unit including adequate spare equipment (up to 30%
above the number of Units). The equipment shall be utilized on Authority Funded Units
and Contractor Funded Units by the Contractor for the purpose of completing electronic
patient care reports. Only Authority authorized software and peripherals may be utilized
to ensure a highly reliable and coordinated system. Authority provided patient care
reporting system equipment shall remain property of the Authority. Contractor shall be
responsible for such equipment, as provided for in Section 401(g) hereof. Authority shall
be responsible for maintaining such equipment and replacing it at the end of a reasonable
useful life, as determined by the Authority. Contractor agrees to continue using the
Contractor's current equipment on any Contractor Funded Units over its useful life which
equipment will be maintained by the Authority and repaired or replaced at the Authority's
option. The Authority shall be responsible for replacing such equipment at the end of a
reasonable useful life, as determined by the Authority.
SECTION 510. TRAFFIC PREEMPTION: Authority shall provide and maintain a
countywide Traffic Preemption System in cooperation with the County and municipal
traffic control systems. Traffic Preemption System equipment shall be provided for
frontline Authority Funded and Contractor Funded ALS First Responder Units. The
Authority shall also provide Traffic Preemption System equipment for reserve ALS First
Responder Units through a phased implementation subject to available funding. Authority
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shall be responsible for maintaining such equipment and replacing it at the end of a
reasonable useful life, as determined by the Authority.
ARTICLE VI
INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 601. MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. Contractor shall be self-
insured or shall pay for and maintain at least the following insurance coverage and limits
as listed below. Insurance coverage and limits shall be evidenced by delivery to the
Authority of: a certificate of insurance executed by the insurer(s) listing coverage and
limits, expiration dates and terms of policies and all endorsements whether or not required
by the Authority, and listing all carriers issuing said policies; and, a certified copy of each
policy, including all endorsements. Where applicable, Contractor shall submit to Authority
a letter from Contractor's Risk Manager stating that Contractor is self-insured, or the
amount of insurance per claim and per occurrence, any gap and the amount of excess
insurance up to its coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, Contractor does not waive any immunity or limitation of liability it may have
under the doctrine of sovereign immunity or Section 768.28 Florida Statutes. The
following insurance requirements shall remain in effect throughout the term of this
Agreement (unless Contractor is self-insured, in which case Contractor shall not be
required to comply with the following insurance requirements):
(a) Provide Workers' compensation insurance as required by Florida Law.
(b) Provide commercial general liability, employers' liability and commercial
vehicle liability insurance that reflects the limits of liability for governmental entities
in accordance with Section 768.28(5), F.S., should the State Legislature change
these limits, coverage consistent with the revised limits shall be obtained.
(c) Professional Liability Insurance, including errors and omissions, with
minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence; if occurrence form is available; or
claims made form with "tail coverage" extending three (3) years beyond the ending
date of this Agreement. In lieu of "tail coverage" the Contractor may submit
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annually to the Authority a current certificate of insurance proving claims made
insurance remains in force throughout the same three (3) year period. This
coverage is subject to statutory and regulatory requirements of Federal, State or
local law.
(d) Personal and/or Bodily Injury including death and property damage liability
Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit insurance in
excess of all primary coverage.
SECTION 602. ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. To the extent that
Contractor maintains insurance policies rather than being self-insured, each insurance
policy shall include the following conditions by endorsement to the policy:
(a) Each policy shall require that forty-five (45) days prior to expiration,
cancellation, non -renewal or any material change in coverage or limits, a notice
thereof shall be given to Authority. Contractor shall also notify Authority within
twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of any notices of expiration, cancellation, non-
renewal or material changes in coverage received by said Contractor from its
insurer.
(b) Companies issuing the insurance policy, or policies, shall have no recourse
against Authority or County for payment of premiums or assessments for any
deductibles which all are at the sole responsibility and risk of Contractor.
(c) The Authority shall be endorsed to the required policy or policies as an
additional insured, exclusive of professional liability insurance. The additional
insured clause covers the actions of the Contractor while providing services under
the terms of this Agreement.
(d) The policy clause "Other Insurance" shall not apply to any insurance
coverage currently held by the Authority or the County, to any such future
coverage, or to County's Self -Insured Retention of whatever nature.
SECTION 603. LIABILITY. Contractor and Authority agree to be fully responsible
for their own acts of negligence or their respective agents' acts of negligence when acting
within the scope of their employment, and agree to be liable for any damages resulting
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from said negligence. Nothing herein is intended to serve as a waiver of sovereign
immunity or the limits of liability contained in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, by the
Contractor, County or Authority. Nothing herein shall be construed as consent by
Contractor or Authority to be sued by third parties in any manner arising out of this
Agreement. Contractor is not liable for the causes of action arising out of the negligence
of the Authority, its employees or agents, or arising out of the negligence of any persons
or entities contracted by, appointed by, or approved by the Authority to provide services
related to this Agreement (including but not limited to other Contractors, the Ambulance
Contractor, Medical Control Board and Medical Director).
Authority is not liable for the causes of action arising out of the negligence of the
Contractor, its employees or agents, or arising out of the negligence of any persons or
entities contracted by, appointed by, or approved by the Authority to provide services
related to this Agreement (including but not limited to other Contractors, the Ambulance
Contractor, Medical Control Board and Medical Director).
This Section 603 shall survive expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
COMPENSATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 701. COMPENSATION.
(a) FY 2024-2025. Authority and Contractor have agreed to an amount
reflecting Contractor's submitted budget for EMS services during Fiscal Year 2024 —
2025. The approved budget amounts for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2024,
shall be equal to that shown on Appendix A.
(b) Budget Submissions for FY2025-2026 through FY2029-2030.
Contractor shall submit a budget by April 1st each year for the following Fiscal Year for
the Authority's review and approval. Budget shall be prepared in the same manner as
the budget submitted for FY 2024-2025, so long as said budget is less than a three (3)
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percent increase from the prior Fiscal Year and the Authority shall pay Annual
Compensation to Contractor in accordance with said approved budget.
(c) Funding for Rescue Unit, Medic Unit and Staff Vehicle Replacement.
Authority will provide funding for Authority funded rescue units, medic units and the
proportionate share of EMS Coordinator staff vehicles. Fire engines and other fire
apparatus are not subject to EMS vehicle replacement funding. Units will be replaced
after at least five (5) years, but no more than seven (7) years, of frontline service.
Contractor represents that its projected capital replacement needs are as shown in
Appendix A. The Authority shall determine a standardized reimbursement amount for
rescue units, medic units and staff vehicles each Fiscal Year based upon the then current
market rate for such vehicles as stated in the EMS Authority's annual budget and capped
therein. The amounts for FY24-25 are rescue units ($350,000), medic units ($125,000),
and staff vehicles ($75,000). Reimbursements are made upon delivery of the vehicle
along with documentation being provided to the Authority that includes the receipt of the
purchase order, invoices, proof of payment and any other documents required by The
Authority.
(d) Rescue Unit Transport Compensation.
Authority shall reimburse Contractor, monthly in arrears, for Transports by Rescue Units
that comply with the Medical Operations Manual Transport Protocol at a rate of $100.00
per Transport. Rescue Unit Transports that do not comply with the Medical Operations
Manual Transport Protocol shall not be reimbursable.
(e) Unit Hours. Authority may purchase Unit Hours to staff additional Rescue
Units to Transport Patients at the Authority's discretion through its Executive Director.
The Authority shall reimburse the Contractor for its actual costs of salary and benefits up
to $75.00 per hour for each crew member of a two -person crew (Paramedic/Paramedic
or Paramedic/EMT) for overtime or backfill costs for hours that are actually performed and
preapproved in writing by the Authority. Such additional Units or Unit Hours may be used
routinely, episodically, or during peak demand periods to maintain the level of service and
Response Times for Ambulance Services. Personnel from different Contractors may be
paired to place additional Rescue Units in service.
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(f) Payment. Payments shall be paid monthly in arrears in (approximately)
equal monthly installments.
(g) Station/Overhead Allowable Costs. Contractor shall be reimbursed for
station and overhead costs in accordance with Resolution 14-65 or a successor
Resolution or 1 %, whichever is greater, approved by the Authority. Such payment shall
be made by the Authority to the Contractor after receipt of the audit attestation shown in
Appendix D.
(h) Extraordinary Budget Increase. If any proposed budget submitted by
Contractor to the Authority for the following Fiscal Year should exceed three (3) percent
of the prior Fiscal Year's budget, Authority and Contractor agree to reopen this Section
701 to negotiate, no later than May 1st of the then current Fiscal Year, the Annual
Compensation for the following Fiscal Year. For any Fiscal Year in which Section 701 is
reopened to negotiate the Annual Compensation for the following Fiscal Year, if Authority
and Contractor cannot reach agreement on the Annual Compensation by June 30t'', this
Agreement shall terminate on the last day of the then current Fiscal Year. Contractor and
Authority must approve the final negotiated Appendix "A" prior to the beginning of the next
Fiscal Year if the proposed budget for the following Fiscal Year will exceed three (3)
percent increase from the prior Fiscal Year's budget.
SECTION 702. CME AND PUBLIC EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) Learning Management System. The Authority shall reimburse annually,
in the first payment in each Fiscal Year, the Contractor's cost for the use of the Learning
Management System for its students. Such reimbursement shall be fifty percent (50%)
of the costs of use of the Learning Management System up to $60.00 per student per
Fiscal Year (does not include payment for student training time). The reimbursement
amount shall not exceed $125,000.00 in any Fiscal Year.
(b) Reimbursement for CME Instructors. The Authority shall reimburse each
Contractor for the actual cost of salary and benefits up to $75.00 per hour for overtime or
backfill costs for the Contractor's CME Instructor hours that are actually performed and
preapproved in writing, through the published master EMS training calendar by the
Authority. Contractor may establish a rate of pay for CME Instructor which shall be
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subject to the $75.00 per hour cap. The Authority shall not reimburse Contractor for the
personnel costs for students to attend Courses or CME Instructor hours that are not
preapproved in writing. Contractor shall submit invoices to Authority utilizing Appendix E
within twenty (20) days following the last day of each month. The Authority shall process
such invoices for payment within twenty (20) days of receipt or reject the invoice if it is
incomplete or inaccurate. Contractor shall be reimbursed monthly in arrears. For each
year during the term of this Agreement, the total compensation amounts shall be
established through the Authority's budget process, but in no event, shall the cumulative
compensation to all Contractors for all payments under this provision, and payment for
the analogous training provisions of the Ambulance Services Agreement, as amended,
for any Fiscal Year exceed the amount budgeted by the Authority. The reimbursement
amount shall not exceed $1,000,000.00 in any Fiscal Year. It is recognized by the Parties
that no payment may be compelled or made without a budget amendment approved by
the Authority for any compensation that exceeds the total compensation authorized
through the Authority approved budget for CME training. It is further agreed and
understood among the Parties that the Authority may not compel the Contractors to incur
expenses beyond the Authority's approved budget amount until such time as a budget
amendment raising such budget is approved.
(c) Reimbursement for Public Education/Prevention/Community
Paramedic Programs. The Authority shall reimburse each Contractor for the actual cost
of salary and benefits up to $75.00 per hour for overtime or backfill costs for the
Contractor's Public Educator/Community Paramedic hours that are actually performed
and preapproved in writing, through the published master EMS public
education/prevention/community paramedic calendar, by the Authority. Contractor may
establish a rate of pay for Public Educator/Community Paramedic which shall be subject
to the $75.00 per hour cap. The Authority shall not reimburse Contractor for the personnel
costs for Public Educator/Community Paramedic hours that are not preapproved in
writing. Contractor shall submit invoices to Authority utilizing Appendix E within twenty
(20) days following the last day of each month. The Authority shall process such invoices
for payment within twenty (20) days of receipt or reject the invoice if it is incomplete or
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inaccurate. Contractor shall be reimbursed monthly in arrears. For each year during the
term of this Agreement, the total compensation amounts shall be established through the
Authority's budget process, but in no event, shall the cumulative compensation to all
Contractors for all payments under this provision, and payment for the analogous training
provisions of the Ambulance Services Agreement, as amended, for any Fiscal Year
exceed the amount budgeted by the Authority. The reimbursement amount shall not
exceed $250,000.00 in any Fiscal Year. It is recognized by the Parties that no payment
may be compelled or made without a budget amendment approved by the Authority for
any compensation that exceeds the total compensation authorized through the Authority
approved budget for Public Education/Community Paramedic programs. It is further
agreed and understood among the Parties that the Authority may not compel the
Contractors to incur expenses beyond the Authority's approved budget amount until such
time as a budget amendment raising such budget is approved.
(d) Reimbursement for Participation in Countywide Quality Improvement
Committees. The Authority shall reimburse each Contractor for the actual cost of salary
and benefits up to $75.00 per hour for overtime or backfill costs for the Contractor's Field
Personnel to participate in countywide quality improvement committees based upon the
hours worked which have been preapproved in writing by the Executive Director or
designee. The Authority shall not reimburse Contractor for the personnel costs that are
not preapproved in writing. Contractor shall submit invoices to Authority utilizing
Appendix E within twenty (20) days following the last day of each month. The Authority
shall process such invoices for payment within twenty (20) days of receipt or reject the
invoice if it is incomplete or inaccurate. Contractor shall be reimbursed monthly in arrears.
For each year during the term of this Agreement, the total compensation amounts shall
be established through the Authority's budget process, but in no event, shall the
cumulative compensation to all Contractors for all payments under this provision, and
payment for the analogous training provisions of the Ambulance Services Agreement, as
amended, for any Fiscal Year exceed the amount budgeted by the Authority. The
reimbursement amount shall not exceed $25,000.00 in any Fiscal Year. It is recognized
by the Parties that no payment may be compelled or made without a budget amendment
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approved by the Authority for any compensation that exceeds the total compensation
authorized through the Authority approved budget for quality improvement committees.
It is further agreed and understood among the Parties that the Authority may not compel
the Contractors to incur expenses beyond the Authority's approved budget amount until
such time as a budget amendment raising such budget is approved.
(e) Reimbursement for Participation in Countywide Advanced Practice
Paramedic Medical Training. The Authority shall reimburse each Contractor for the
actual cost of salary and benefits up to $75.00 per hour for overtime or backfill costs for
the Contractor's Advanced Practice Paramedics to attend and participate in countywide
medical training for special operations teams based upon the hours worked which have
been preapproved in writing by the Executive Director or designee. The Authority shall
not reimburse Contractor for the personnel costs that are not preapproved in writing.
Contractor shall submit invoices to Authority utilizing Appendix E within twenty (20) days
following the last day of each month. The Authority shall process such invoices for
payment within twenty (20) days of receipt or reject the invoice if it is incomplete or
inaccurate. Contractor shall be reimbursed monthly in arrears. For each year during the
term of this Agreement, the total compensation amounts shall be established through the
Authority's budget process, but in no event, shall the cumulative compensation to all
Contractors for all payments under this provision, and payment for the analogous training
provisions of the Ambulance Services Agreement, as amended, for any Fiscal Year
exceed the amount budgeted by the Authority. It is recognized by the Parties that no
payment may be compelled or made without a budget amendment approved by the
Authority for any compensation that exceeds the total compensation authorized through
the Authority approved budget for Advanced Practice Paramedic medical training. It is
further agreed and understood among the Parties that the Authority may not compel the
Contractors to incur expenses beyond the Authority's approved budget amount until such
time as a budget amendment raising such budget is approved.
SECTION 703. DEDUCTION FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE FIRST RESPONDER
UNIT. In the event Contractor fails to provide an ALS First Responder Unit or substitutes
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a BLS First Responder Unit instead of an ALS First Responder Unit, for an extended
period (as described below) of time and without the advance approval of the Authority,
the Authority may deduct an amount equal to the Contractor's Unit Hour Compensation
multiplied by each hour or portion thereof for each day or portion thereof that the
Contractor has failed to provide an ALS First Responder Unit. Such deduction shall be
made from the following monthly Annual Compensation payment. For purposes of this
Agreement, an extended period of time means, with respect to mechanical problems and
personnel, more than four (4) consecutive hours in any given day, and with respect to
training, more than ten (10) hours in any given day; provided however that Section 703
shall not be applicable when the Executive Director has waived the provisions of Section
703, or when Contractor has failed to provide an ALS First Responder Unit or substitutes
a BLS First Responder Unit during periods of Uncontrollable Circumstances.
SECTION 704. PROVISION OF BILLABLE PATIENT CARE REPORT.
In the event that the Contractor transports a Patient, in compliance with the then current
Medical Operations Manual transport protocols, Contractor shall provide a billable Patient
Care Report to the Authority within four (4) business days from the date of service. The
report shall include, at a minimum, the medical reason for Transport, the Patient's
condition, the Patient's demographic information, the Transport mileage, and all medical
care rendered. Contractor's Field Personnel shall obtain the Patient's signature and any
other signatures necessary to process a bill.
SECTION 705. ADJUSTMENT FOR EXTRAORDINARY COST INCREASES.
Contractor may apply for and receive prospective compensation adjustments to the
Annual Compensation as necessary to offset documented increases in Contractor's cost
of production directly resulting from increases in the prices paid by Contractor for fuel due
to Unforeseen Circumstances and subject to the following stipulations:
(a) Contractor must document, using generally accepted accounting
procedures, the actual financial impact of the increased fuel prices upon
Contractor's costs of production.
(b) Only the effects of increased direct fuel prices -excluding any effects of
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increased fuel consumption, overhead allocations and indirect costs -shall be
considered.
SECTION 706. FUNDS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR EMS FIRST RESPONSE.
Contractor recognizes that monies received hereunder are derived from the EMS Mill and
that the EMS Mill, pursuant to referendum, has been dedicated solely to the provision of
Emergency Medical Services. Contractor, therefore, agrees that funding provided under
this Agreement will be used strictly for the provision of the services described herein.
Contractor shall have an Annual External Audit conducted by a Certified Public
Accounting firm to verify the Authority funded EMS income, Authority funded EMS
expenditures, and Authority funded EMS reserves. The Annual External Audit shall
include the "EMS Financial Information Attestation Form" prepared by the Contractor and
signed by the Contractor's auditor. The required "EMS Financial Information Attestation
Form" is attached as Appendix D. Contractor shall provide to Authority the audited
financial statement that includes the "EMS Financial Information Attestation Form" within
ten (10) business days of Contractor's receipt of the Annual External Audit. The cost of
the Annual External Audit will be expended from Contractor's EMS funds. Contractor shall
ensure that personnel cost reimbursements from the Authority for special operations
training, continuing medical education instruction, public education, or other
reimbursements are not funded twice (i.e. funding provided in the submitted budget and
reimbursement made by the Authority.)
SECTION 707. FUTURE/ADDITIONAL SERVICES. Contractor understands that,
in the future, health care delivery and Emergency Medical Services may evolve to include
pathway management, an expanded scope of practice, primary care services or other
activities where EMS resources provided under this Agreement may be used. Contractor
and Authority shall discuss the manner in which such additional services shall be affected,
evaluate the relationship of such services; and determine the impact of such services on
the EMS system. Contractor's obligations shall be limited to those specifically set forth in
this Agreement. Contractor shall not be responsible for providing any additional services
unless Contractor agrees in writing to provide such additional services.
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SECTION 708. ADDITIONAL UNITS.
(a) Authority Funded. During the term of the Agreement, the Authority may
determine that additional Authority Funded Unit(s) are needed. Additionally, Contractor
may request that consideration be given for approval of an additional Authority Funded
Unit. If the Authority determines that additional Authority Funded Unit(s) are needed from
Contractor, then Authority and Contractor shall negotiate a mutually agreeable
compensation for such additional Authority Funded Unit(s). In those instances where the
Contractor requests Authority to approve additional Authority Funded Unit(s), the
Authority shall meet with the Contractor to determine the need for the requested Authority
Funded Unit(s). If approved, the Authority will negotiate a mutually agreeable
compensation for such additional Authority Funded Unit, Units or Unit Hours.
Compensation for such additional Authority Funded Unit(s), or Unit Hours, shall begin
upon approval by the Authority through the approval of an updated Appendix "A" by the
Parties.
(b) Contractor -Funded. Contractor and Authority understand that the EMS
System is a unified, integrated system requiring the cooperation of all providers in the
EMS System. To ensure coordinated implementation of any improvements to the EMS
System and to ensure the integrity of the EMS System, if Contractor desires to operate
additional ALS First Responder Unit(s) as a Contractor Funded Unit, Contractor will obtain
approval from the Authority in writing prior to operating the Contractor Funded Unit.
Contractor may elect to cease operation of a Contractor Funded Unit at its sole discretion.
Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with staffing, equipping and operating
such Contractor Funded Units. The Authority shall provide Medical Control and medical
equipment and supplies for authorized Contractor Funded Units.
SECTION 709. AUDITS AND INSPECTIONS. At any time during normal business
hours, and as often as may reasonably be deemed necessary, representatives of the
Authority or Medical Director may observe Contractor's operations. Contractor shall
make available to Authority for its examination, its records with respect to all matters
covered by this Agreement, and Authority may audit, examine, copy, and make excerpts
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or transcripts from such records, and may make audits of all contracts, invoices,
materials, payrolls, inventory records, records of personnel, daily Togs, conditions of
employment, and other data related to all matters covered by this Agreement to the extent
permitted by law.
Contractor shall make available to the Medical Director its records with respect to
all clinical matters covered by this Agreement and the Medical Director may audit,
examine, copy and make excerpts or transcripts from such records and inspections to the
extent permitted by law.
The Authority's right to observe and inspect operations or records in Contractor's
business office shall, however, be restricted to normal business hours, and reasonable
notification shall be given the Contractor in advance of any such visit.
Records relating to contract activities shall be retained for three (3) years from final
payment in each year.
All representatives of the Authority, Medical Control Board and Medical Director
who observe Contractor's operations or audit or examine Contractor's records shall
conduct themselves in a polite manner; complete any training required by law; and not
interfere with Contractor's employees' duties. Audits and inspections shall be done to the
extent permitted by law.
SECTION 710. FISCAL NON -FUNDING. In the event sufficient budgeted funds are
not available for a new Fiscal Year, the Authority shall timely notify Contractor of such
occurrence prior to the end of the current Fiscal Year and this Agreement shall terminate
on the last day of current Fiscal Year.
ARTICLE VIII
TERM AND TERMINATION
SECTION 801. TERM. The initial term of this Agreement shall be for five (5) years,
commencing October 1, 2024 and ending at midnight September 30, 2029, unless this
Agreement is earlier terminated as provided for herein in this Agreement. This Agreement
may be extended for an additional five (5) year period following the initial term, provided
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that the Parties mutually agree in writing to such extension which is subject to Authority
and Contractor approval prior to July 1, 2029, which is subject to Authority, City Council
or District approval prior to September 30, 2029. References in this Agreement to "Term"
shall include the initial term of this Agreement and all extensions thereof. The effective
date of this agreement shall be retroactive to October 1, 2024 for reimbursement
purposes.
SECTION 802. TERMINATION.
(a) By Authority for Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by the
Authority for cause upon twenty (20) days written notice to Contractor. For purposes of
this section 802(a), "cause" shall mean (1) the event that Contractor, for any reason, fails
to meet the licensing requirements in the State of Florida pursuant to the provisions of
Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, or (2) a material breach by Contractor of any term,
covenant or warranty contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that in the case of
a breach of any term, covenant or warranty, the Authority shall provide written notice of
such breach and Contractor shall have the opportunity to cure such breach within twenty
(20) days of receipt of such notice or within such additional period of time mutually agreed
upon by the Parties.
(b) By Contractor for Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by
Contractor for cause upon twenty (20) days written notice to the Authority. For purposes
of this section 802(b), "cause" shall mean a material breach by the Authority of any term,
covenant or warranty contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that in the case of
a breach of any term, covenant or warranty, Contractor shall provide written notice of
such breach and the Authority shall have the opportunity to cure such breach within
twenty (20) days of receipt of such notice, or, within such additional period of time mutually
agreed upon by the Parties.
(c) By Authority or Contractor without Cause. This Agreement may be
terminated without cause by Contractor or the Authority upon six (6) months written notice
to the other Party.
(d) Provision of Emergency Medical Services upon Termination. In the
event of termination of this Agreement by either Contractor or the Authority, Contractor
shall continue to participate in the EMS System and Emergency Medical Services shall
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be provided in Contractor's EMS District in accordance with the Special Act and EMS
Ordinance, and the Authority shall compensate Contractor in accordance with the Special
Act.
SECTION 803. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES. To the extent that Contractor and
Authority cannot, after good faith attempts, resolve any controversy or dispute that may
have arisen under this Agreement, except for any dispute concerning the Annual
Compensation or §701, Contractor and Authority shall appoint an ad-hoc committee
consisting of one mutually agreed upon representative from the Medical Control Board,
the EMS Advisory Council, and the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs Association to facilitate a
timely and effective resolution. The ad-hoc committee shall meet as often as necessary
under the circumstances in an attempt to resolve the controversy or dispute. The
committee shall review each Party's submittal of its interpretation of the Agreement and
may request additional information as necessary. The committee shall complete its
review within sixty (60) days of the date that the Committee is notified of the controversy
or dispute (unless the Parties mutually agree to extend this period of time) and submit
any recommendation to the Pinellas County Administrator and Contractor. All
recommendations and other actions of the committee shall be non-binding. After the
committee has submitted its recommendation to the Pinellas County Administrator and
Contractor, either Party may thereafter refer the matter to non-binding mediation in the
State of Florida. If the Parties do not agree upon representatives for the committee, if
either Party chooses not to engage in mediation or if the Parties engage in mediation but
mediation fails to resolve the dispute, either Party may pursue its legal remedies,
including the Chapter 164 process, and, including, but not limited to, filing a complaint
(including but not limited to a complaint for injunctive relief) in the appropriate court
possessing competent jurisdiction.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 901. NON-DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT. The Contractor will not
discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, race, color, religion,
Emergency Medical Services
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sex, sexual orientation or national origin. Contractor agrees that applicants will be
employed, and that employees are treated during employment, (e.g. layoff or termination,
promotion, demotion, transfer, rates of pay and compensation, and selection for training,
including apprenticeship), without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation or national origin. The Contractor will post in conspicuous places, available to
all employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this
nondiscrimination clause.
SECTION 902. NOTICES. All notices, consents and agreements required or
permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, and, as applicable, shall be transmitted
by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, with notice deemed to be given
upon receipt; postage prepaid, and shall be addressed as follows:
If to Authority: Executive Director, Pinellas County EMS Authority
Pinellas County EMS & Fire Administration
12490 Ulmerton Road — Suite 134
Largo, Florida 33774
If to Contractor: See Appendix B
SECTION 903. ENTIRE AND COMPLETE AGREEMENT. Subject to Section 912,
this Agreement, as amended, and all Appendices hereto, constitute the entire and
complete agreement of the Parties and supersedes all prior and similar agreements and
amendments with respect to the services to be provided hereunder. This Agreement,
unless provided herein to the contrary, may be modified only by written agreement duly
executed by the Parties with the same formality as this Agreement.
SECTION 904. OTHER DOCUMENTS. Each Party agrees to execute and deliver
any instruments and to perform any acts that may be necessary or reasonably requested
in order to give full effect to this Agreement.
SECTION 905. APPLICABLE LAW. Florida Law shall govern the validity,
interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement.
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SECTION 906. WAIVER. Unless otherwise specifically provided by the terms of this
Agreement, no delay or failure to exercise a right resulting from any breach of this
Agreement shall impair such right or shall be construed to be a waiver thereof, but such
may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed necessary. Any
waiver shall be in writing and signed by the Party granting such waiver. If any
representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement is breached by either
Party and thereafter waived by the other Party, such waiver shall be limited to the
particular breach so waived and shall not be deemed to waive any other breach under
this Agreement.
SECTION 907. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision of this Agreement
shall, for any reason, be determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect,
the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith and agree to such amendments,
modifications, or supplements of or to this Agreement or such other appropriate actions
as shall, to the maximum extent practicable in light of such determination, implement and
give effect to the intentions of the Parties as reflected herein.
SECTION 908. CONTRACTOR IS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Parties
agree that throughout the term of this Agreement, and during the performance of any
obligations hereunder, Contractor is an independent contractor in all respects and shall
not be the agent, servant, officer, or employee of the Authority or Pinellas County.
SECTION 909. NO THIRD -PARTY BENEFICIARIES; ASSIGNMENT. This
Agreement is not intended, nor shall it be construed, to inure to the benefit of any third
person or entity not a party hereto, and no right, duty or obligation of the Contractor under
this Agreement, shall be assigned to any person, private association or corporation, not-
for-profit corporation, or public body without the prior written consent of the Authority.
SECTION 910. HEADINGS. Captions and headings in this Agreement are for ease
of reference and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.
SECTION 911. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in more than
one counterpart, each of which shall be deemed an original.
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SECTION 912. NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS UNDER SPECIAL ACT. This Agreement,
and specifically its provisions related to the Annual Compensation, is being entered into
to resolve a dispute between the parties regarding the determination of the Annual
Compensation to be paid to Contractor by the Authority. Authority and Contractor have
worked together in good faith to reduce spending under the EMS Mill based upon the
extraordinary economic times facing local governments at present. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, it is the intent of Contractor and
Authority that any actions or determinations taken in order to reach agreement herein not
be seen as a waiver of any rights, claims or defenses that either the Contractor, or the
Authority may have under the Special Act. Furthermore, Contractor does not necessarily
agree that the Annual Compensation provided under this Agreement constitutes
reasonable and customary cost reimbursement by the Authority as required by the
Special Act, and, by entering into this Agreement does not waive any rights, claims or
defenses that Contractor may have with regard to the determination of reasonable and
customary costs in any year not governed by this Agreement. Therefore, the Annual
Compensation paid to the Contractor pursuant to this Agreement shall not be used as
evidence in any dispute regarding the reasonable and customary costs to be reimbursed
by the Authority to the Contractor.
[Signature Page to Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto, by and through their
undersigned authorized officers have caused this Agreement to be executed on this
29th day of October 72024.
ATTEST: PINELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY
KENNETH. B.URKE.,-CLERK MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHOR ITY
Ey and through its Board of County
Commissioners
De' uty+Cierk Chairman
,`�.C��3tjY 0'rt�' APPROVED AS TO FORM
WI+o• •• sr By. PatrickH.Allman IV
o: Office of the County Attorney
SEAL
�f +�
��'rrr COUNV i ►+`
Countersigned: CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
by: 3�.. by:
payor ity Manager
Approved, form: Attest:
.. ... 4
by' bye f `�-
Assistant City Attorney City Clerk
Owen Kohler
�y1
ery°+rr►�rP�p"
w ,
a
Emergency Medical Services
ALS First Responder Agreement
Page 44
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto, by and through their
undersigned authorized officers have caused this Agreement to be executed on this
day of , 2024.
ATTEST:
KENNETH BURKE, CLERK
PINELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
By and through its Board of County
Commissioners
by: by:
Deputy Clerk Chairman
Countersigned:
by:
Approved • form:
b
Assistant City Attorney
Owen Kohler
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
by:
Attest:
b
City Clerk
Emergency Medical Services
ALS First Responder Agreement
Page,4P
Appendix A
ALS. First Responder Profile
Contractor
Clearwater
EMS District(e)
Clearwater EMS District
Authority Funded Units
Engine 44
Engine 45
Medic 45
Rescue 46
Medic 47
Rescue 48
Engine 49
Rescue 49
Engine 50
Engine 51
Contractor Funded Units
Engine 46
Engine 47
Engine 48
EMS Coordination
EMS Coordinator— 1 FTE (Clearwater 50q)
EMS Administrative Coordinator— 1 FTE.
(Clearwater 501)
Rescue Lieutenant— 1 Position 24/7 (Rescue
Lieutenant 45)
EMSAdeninistrative Support —1 FTE
FY24,25 Annual Compensation
$9186,432
Projected Capital
FY24-25 Rescue Lieutenant, Reserve Rescue 55
FY25,26 None
FY26-27 Medic 45; Medic 47
FY27-28 Rescue 46
FY28-29 Rescue 48
Appendix B
ALS First Responder Contractors
City Manager
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PO Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758
City Manager
CITY OF DUNEDIN
P 0 Box 1348
Dunedin, FL 34697
Chairman, Board of Commissioners
EAST LAKE TARPON
SPECIAL FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT
3375 Tarpon Lake Boulevard
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
City Manager
CITY OF GULFPORT
2401 53rd Street South
Gulfport, FL 33707
City Manager
CITY OF LARGO
P 0 Box 296
Largo, FL 33779-0296
Chairman, Board of Commissioners
LEALMAN
SPECIAL FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT
4360 55th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
City Manager
CITY OF MADEIRA BEACH
300 Municipal Drive
Madeira Beach, FL 33708
City Manager
CITY OF OLDSMAR
100 State Street West
Oldsmar, FL 34677-3655
Chairman, Board of Commissioners
PALM HARBOR
SPECIAL FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT
250 W. Lake Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Emergency Medical Services
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City Manager
CITY OF PINELLAS PARK
P O Box 1100
Pinellas Park, FL 33780-1100
Chairman, Board of Commissioners
PINELLAS SUNCOAST
FIRE & RESCUE DISTRICT
304 First Street
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
City Manager
CITY OF SAFETY HARBOR
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL 34695-3597
City Manager
CITY OF ST. PETE BEACH
155 Corey Avenue
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706-1701
City Manager
CITY OF SEMINOLE
9199 113th Street North
Seminole, FL 33772-2806
City Clerk
CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA
7047 Sunset Drive South
South Pasadena, FL 33707-2895
City Manager
CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS
324 Pine Street East
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
City Manager
CITY OF TREASURE ISLAND
120 108th Avenue
Treasure Island, FL 33706-4794
Emergency Medical Services
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Appendix C
EMS Equipment
Provided by the Authority:
- All Medical Supplies and Equipment authorized by the Authority.
EKG Monitor / Defibrillator and AEDs
• Stryker Lifepak 15 V4+ EKG Monitor Defibrillators with the minimum clinical
specifications: biphasic defibrillation, external pacing, 12 lead
acquisition/transmission, pulse oximetry, waveform capnography, and non-
invasive blood pressure monitoring.
• Preventative maintenance/repair, cases, wireless data connectivity, battery
chargers and batteries as needed.
• All EKG disposable supplies and cables to include, but not limited to, EKG
electrodes, Defib/Pacing pads, AED Pads, CPR Meters, and pads, 5 Lead Limb
and Chest cables, EKG Main/Therapy/12 Lead Cables, Patient Cables, NIBP
cuffs and hoses, Pulse Oximetry cables and probes, and Capnography
disposable supplies. Durable accessories will be replaced periodically due to
wear and tear. Durable accessories that are lost, stolen, or damaged will be
subject to Section 507 of this agreement.
Stryker Lifepak 15 V4+ EKG Monitor Defibrillators or successor model, in the same
configuration above shall be utilized for reserve and spare equipment. The specific
quantity shall be determined by the Authority.
Provided By Contractor:
- Rescue equipment required by the Department or Florida Law.
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Appendix D
EMS FINANCIAL INFORMATION ATTESTATION FORM
Instructions:
In accordance with the ALS First Responder Agreement, funds provided by the EMS Authority
must be used solely for EMS Allowable Costs. Any unspent balance at the conclusion of a fiscal
year must be accounted for and returned to the EMS Authority.
The following form is provided for consistent cost reporting and shall be submitted within ten (10)
business days of Contractor's receipt of Annual External Audit.
To be completed by Contractor:
City or Fire District (Contractor)
Fiscal Year
Name of Person Completing Form
Phone Number and Email Address
1. EMS Funding Received by Contractor $
2. EMS Allowable Costs Incurred by Contractor $
3. Difference (If excess, amount due to Pinellas County) $
PLEASE INCLUDE A COPY OF ANNUAL AUDIT AND
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AS NEEDED.
I certify the costs identified, in line 2 above, are related to EMS Authorized positions and units
and comply with the EMS Allowable Cost Standards contained in Pinellas County EMS
Resolution 09-38. I certify that I have reviewed payroll registers, salary and benefit actual
expenditures, actual relief staffing costs incurred to maintain continuous staffing of Authority
authorized positions, and actual costs of supervision, fuel, maintenance and repairs and other
allowable costs.
Signature and Date, Contractor's External Auditor
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Appendix E
EMS r. FIRE
ADMINISTRATION
CME INSTRUCTOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM
Agency
CME Instructor Name
01111111111111111
0111111111111111
El 1.1E
EDI MIIMI111111111111111•11111111•1111111 1111111111111111111111111111
RI E.IN
OTAL -elmbursementAmount: Milliall
not Name +e Tntte
Neter;
ubmitted 8y - Authonzed Signature
Date
One Instructor per form
(a) Course Name (i.e. January 2016 CME, EMS System Orientation, PHTLS, ACLS, TCCC, etc.)
(b) For reimbursement the class must be preauthorized by PCEMS through the issuance of a Authorized Class Code.
(c) First Name, Last Name of person covering - must be same rank or below. Attach supporting documents.
(d) Actual Hours Worked - Up to 60 minutes for preparation/setup, breakdown, paperwork and travel for each Class.
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Appendix F
EMS Coordination Duties and Responsibilities
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGULATORY
1. State EMS License and vehicle permits are maintained and renewed.
2. All Federal and State Laws and Administrative Codes are followed.
3. All EMS Rules & Regulations and Medical Operations Manual Protocols are followed.
4. Coordinates and monitors activities of the Contractor as to its function to provide Advanced
Life Support (ALS) First Responder Services.
5. Regularly inspects Contractor's agency, units and personnel for compliance with all
regulatory requirements for personnel certification and training and equipment and supplies.
6. State recertification of Field Personnel is completed in a timely manner.
7. All paperwork for the County Certification of Field Personnel is submitted in a timely manner.
LIASION
8. Serve as the liaison between the Contractor, the EMS Medical Director and the Authority's
Executive Director for matters related to ALS First Responder Services.
9. Ensure a positive and collaborative relationship is maintained.
10. Ensure that the EMS Medical Director is notified of reportable incidents in a timely manner.
11. Participate regularly in EMS -related meetings.
EQUIPMENT AND LOGISTICS
12. Controlled Substances are handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
13. ECG Monitors, Tablet Computers and other assets provided by the Authority are kept in
good working order and assets managed and tracked.
14. Vehicles and medical bags are stocked in accordance with the Medical Operations Manual.
15. Only necessary Medical Supplies and Equipment are maintained to reduce loss to
inadequate stock rotation.
16. Maintain security and record keeping of all medications held by the Contractor.
17. Maintain Level "C" Personal Protective Equipment and Ballistic Vests/Helmets.
18. Hand receipts for assets are signed and Inventory control procedures are followed.
PATIENT CARE REPORTS
19. Patient Care Reports are filed and reviewed in accordance with procedure established by
the Medical Director using quality management software.
20. Review EMS patient care reports to ensure proper care and treatment and determine areas
for improvement.
21. ALS First Responder Transport Patient Care Reports are properly documented and
submitted.
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PERFORMANCE METRICS
22. Reviews and monitors response times, customer satisfaction, clinical performance, and
other performance metrics to attain and maintain a high level of service and to correct
performance deficiencies when noted.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
23. Investigates complaints from patients and concerned citizens, manages Quality Assurance
Reviews and Medical Case Reviews in accordance with the EMS Rules & Regulations.
24. Prepare and forward justification for Certificates of Merit or other recognition requests for
individuals who, by their actions, have performed exceptionally and deserve acclaim.
25. Determine the proficiency and skill level of provisional Paramedics and EMTs prior to
recommending County Certification.
26. Attending and actively participating in EMS -related meetings and quality improvement
committees.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
27. Ensure that all Contractor Field Personnel comply with continuing medical education and
other training requirements in accordance with the EMS Rules & Regulations.
28. Assist in the coordination of CME Instructors, Equipment and Training Sites.
29. Monitor the clinical competence of Field Personnel through the observation of training.
FIELD RESPONSE AND SUPERVISION
30. Routinely responds to EMS Incidents to oversee clinical competence and Patient care in
accordance with procedures established by the Medical Director.
31. Respond to large-scale EMS Incidents to assist in incident command, triage, logistics, or
other duties as indicated by the magnitude of the incident.
INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER
32. Ensures the Contractor has an active Designated Infection Control Officer and infection
control program.
33. Coordinate with the Ambulance Contractor, EMS Medical Director, Public Health and
Hospitals to ensure all significant exposure incidents are actively managed. This shall
include making notifications, verification and documentation of exposures, and ensuring
any treatment and medical follow-up occur.