How MaineHealth’s New Ambulance Service is Easing Strain on Local EMS

Photo byMathurin NAPOLY / matnapoonUnsplash

PORTLAND, Maine — In an effort to improve patient care and reduce delays in transporting patients between its facilities, MaineHealth has introduced a new ambulance service. This initiative is set to streamline the transfer process within the healthcare system and ease the burden on local Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which have been increasingly strained by rising call volumes and staffing shortages.

Alleviating Pressure on Local EMS

Mike Senecal, Senior Director of MaineHealth's Emergency Medical Services, emphasized the importance of this new service in addressing the growing demands on local EMS providers. "But now with their staffing challenges and demands in the community have risen, EMS calls have increased, they're needed in their local communities," Senecal explained. By taking over the inter-facility transport of patients, MaineHealth aims to free up local EMS units to focus on emergency calls within their communities.

Expanding Capacity and Coverage

To support this new service, MaineHealth has made significant investments, purchasing 14 ambulances and hiring more than 70 staff members dedicated to patient transport. Currently, the service moves approximately 10,000 patients annually. However, Senecal noted that the goal is to increase this capacity to 16,000 patients per year, ensuring that more patients can be transferred quickly and efficiently between facilities.

Enhancing Patient Care Across the Region

This new ambulance service is a critical component of MaineHealth's broader strategy to enhance patient care across the region. By reducing transport delays, the service aims to improve outcomes for patients who require timely transfers between facilities for specialized care or procedures.

Looking Ahead

As MaineHealth continues to expand its ambulance fleet and staffing, the organization remains committed to meeting the needs of patients and communities across Maine. This new service represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by local EMS providers and ensuring that patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.

Attribution source: Mainepublic.org