Dallas County and Sunnyvale Fire Department establish EMS data sharing agreement

The Sunnyvale Town Council convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on enhancing emergency medical services through a proposed interlocal agreement with Dallas County.

The meeting began with Chief Kai presenting Resolution 2025-06, which aims to establish an interlocal agreement for emergency medical services data sharing between the Town of Sunnyvale and Dallas County Health and Human Services. This initiative is largely driven by Senate Bill 1319, which mandates that EMS agencies report all overdose incidents to their local health authority. Chief Kai explained that while the bill took effect in September 2023, Dallas County was not prepared to receive data until November 2023, following successful trials with Dallas Fire.

During the presentation, Chief Kai outlined the importance of the agreement, emphasizing that it would not only ensure compliance with the new state law but also support Dallas County's efforts to identify and address public health concerns proactively. The agreement would facilitate the sharing of data that could help in recognizing potential public health emergencies before they escalate.

The data transfer process is designed to be seamless, utilizing existing electronic patient care software without incurring additional costs. Chief Kai assured the council that the data would be encrypted and de-identified, ensuring patient confidentiality while allowing for necessary public health reporting.

The council members engaged in a discussion regarding the implications of the resolution, recognizing the potential benefits of timely data sharing in managing public health crises. Following the deliberation, the council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025-06, marking a significant step towards enhancing public health response capabilities in Sunnyvale.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to public health and safety through collaborative efforts with Dallas County, setting a precedent for future data-sharing initiatives aimed at improving community health outcomes.