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LochNet reports faster response times, higher pay and new community paramedic program in Texarkana
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Summary
LochNet told the Texarkana Board of Directors it handled nearly 4,000 ambulance responses in the fiscal year, improved response-time compliance from 87% to over 93% after operational changes, and now offers starting paramedic pay of about $70,000. The company also described equipment upgrades and a state-funded community health paramedic program.
LochNet CEO Alicia Moore told the Texarkana Board of Directors that the company responded to almost 4,000 ambulance requests in the city's service area in the fiscal year and has improved its response-time compliance rate from 87% to more than 93% after operational changes.
Moore, speaking with area director Darren Higgs and COO Adam Oliver present, said patient satisfaction is about 91% and that the service's survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest in the area was 21% last year, which she contrasted with a cited national average of roughly 9%.
"We responded to almost 4,000 requests for ambulance services, and our response time compliance at that time was 87%. Since then we have made some operational changes ... and so now our response time is well over 93%," Moore said.
The presentation listed recent investments: new power cots and power-load systems that ease patient transfers into ambulances; mechanical Lucas CPR devices; a Ferno NeoMate device for very small pediatric patients; a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and upgraded HR software; and expanded training including pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and international trauma life support (ITLS).
Moore also described workforce changes. "We adjusted our pay scale for our medics," she said. "Our medics can come and make $70,000 just starting out." Moore said LochNet runs in-house EMT and paramedic classes and partners with a local college to support a pipeline of candidates.
Directors asked about coordination with the fire department. LochNet staff said fire units assist on cardiac arrests, medical emergencies requiring advanced airway management, and incidents needing extrication; the company said it can provide an annual number of such assists upon request through the medical advisory committee.
LochNet noted a recently launched community health paramedic program funded through a state grant to serve high-utilizer patients and to steer frequent callers to alternative programs rather than repeated hospital transports.
The presentation closed with an invitation for questions and continued outreach: Moore said LochNet recruits in regional high schools and partners with local colleges and school districts to develop EMT programs.
The presentation was given during the board meeting's presentations segment and drew several appreciative remarks from directors.
The board did not take action on LochNet's report; staff said follow-up information (for example, exact counts of fire assists and annualized mutual-aid statistics) can be provided to the board on request.
