Sorry guys, unless something has changed behind the scenes EMSA-OKC will still be on the states 800 system for intercommunication between divisions. I'm sure stuff changes down there but EMSA's already been allocated one subfleet for Tulsa and Two for OKC. Tulsa's digital and encrypted - and so far OKC's talkgroups are disabled but are reportedly analog and clear.
Okc Emsa
- Thread starter dbestfirefighter
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2005
- Messages
- 79
Well they may not switch to the new system right now but there contract to provide EMS to OKC is up in 2006 and i will bet that they do not get another one. Especially since the new ambulances they have were purchased by OKC and leased to EMSA. So I guess the answer to your question would be yes. Maybe not right now but probably by this time next year.
Well BCFD25, I'm sorry you were mis-informed about the new trucks. The new trucks the Eastern Divison bought were also purchased by thier respective city. It seems this is a never-ending argument around this board about how EMSA's public utility model is structured. EMSA is a trust authority of the city goverment for Tulsa and OKC. EMSA will be around forever, the only thing that changes from time to time is the private contractor, which is currently paramedics plus who are pleasing city officials with their performance. If you have any further questions please let me know!
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2005
- Messages
- 79
I would be willing to bet that by this time next year OKC FD will be providing all ACLS care for OKC with firefighters manning the ambulances at fire stations spread throughout the city. I know for a fact that the fire dept has already come up with the figures of what it will cost and is prepared to prove to the city council that they can do everything EMSA does but cheaper. EMSA's contract is due for renewal in 2006 and they will not got it. Disagree with me if you like but it is going to happen. When EMSA took over after AMCARE went bankrupt their major selling point was that they would not cost the city any money. They could run off of bills to patients. Due to several unforseen problems (not all of which EMSA's fault) they are asking the city for millions each year. All in due time my friend, all in due time.
Don't hold back now...tell us how you really feel ;-)
Seriously, it sounds like you have some personal stake in this. I think the thread started as a simple question as to whether EMSA would be on the new system. I think that's what we're most concerned with here. IMHO, contracts and providers are subject for another forum...
Seriously, it sounds like you have some personal stake in this. I think the thread started as a simple question as to whether EMSA would be on the new system. I think that's what we're most concerned with here. IMHO, contracts and providers are subject for another forum...
KE5BGX_Robert
Member
well said Dave.....at this point who cares who will take over the service...be it the current or the fire service....or a 3rd party.....I don't know about you guys but my crystal ball broke and won't tell me the future....
I remember the OCFD saying that way back in '71 when they lobbied to take over the ambulance service from the funeral homes. Didn't work then either. The chief found out that there is more to ambulance calls than red lights and glory...
Jim
Ex Amcare medic #535
Jim
Ex Amcare medic #535
K5MAR
Member
Stillwater FD runs the ambulance service for Stillwater and provides service for the western 2/3rds of Payne County. But, the idea that the OKCFD would step in and try to take over the service that EMSA provides for the OKC area is a whole different magnitude of scale. Wouldn't say it's impossible, but I wouldn't want to be involved in the task!
Mark S.
Mark S.
But isn't EMSA a trust authority by the gov't? Even if OKC FD "took over" the EMS service in OKC it would just mean it would be Firefighters wearing EMSA uniform, driving EMSA trucks. Paramedics Plus could get outbid on the contract, but EMSA would still be EMSA and will always be EMSA.
Last edited:
EMSA Trunked
Several months ago, the EMSA Communications Director for the Western Division told me that the subject was still undecided. He wanted to go with the state system, since that would give them interoperability between Tulsa and OKC. However, there were those inside EMSA that wanted to go with the OKC system and they had some strong arguments.
1. The OKC System will be far superior in its coverage. It is designed to give handheld coverage throughout Oklahoma City. The state system is not.
2. The OKC system would provide encryption (EMSA likes encryption). The Oklahoma City sites of the state system are not capable of this yet.
3. EMSA Dispatch will be moving to the OKC 911 center and wiring them into the OKC system would be easier than the state system.
4. The Western Division trucks would have easy access to OKC PD and Fire communications (Interoperabiity).
However, that would leave the Western Division trucks with one type of radio (which could be used to weight down papers if the truck ever leaves the Oklahoma City metro area) and the Tulsa area trucks with another (Which potentially could be used statewide as the system expands).
Anyway, I'm pretty sure they are going with the state system, but I'll let you know if I find out from any "reliable source".
--fast2okc
Several months ago, the EMSA Communications Director for the Western Division told me that the subject was still undecided. He wanted to go with the state system, since that would give them interoperability between Tulsa and OKC. However, there were those inside EMSA that wanted to go with the OKC system and they had some strong arguments.
1. The OKC System will be far superior in its coverage. It is designed to give handheld coverage throughout Oklahoma City. The state system is not.
2. The OKC system would provide encryption (EMSA likes encryption). The Oklahoma City sites of the state system are not capable of this yet.
3. EMSA Dispatch will be moving to the OKC 911 center and wiring them into the OKC system would be easier than the state system.
4. The Western Division trucks would have easy access to OKC PD and Fire communications (Interoperabiity).
However, that would leave the Western Division trucks with one type of radio (which could be used to weight down papers if the truck ever leaves the Oklahoma City metro area) and the Tulsa area trucks with another (Which potentially could be used statewide as the system expands).
Anyway, I'm pretty sure they are going with the state system, but I'll let you know if I find out from any "reliable source".
--fast2okc
EMSA around forever, LOL!
That is exactly what they said about Amcare back in '85. Too bad it didn't happen. I miss the good old days of the funeral homes fighting on the street for patients. Where is Curtis Tate when you need him?? lol!
That is exactly what they said about Amcare back in '85. Too bad it didn't happen. I miss the good old days of the funeral homes fighting on the street for patients. Where is Curtis Tate when you need him?? lol!
EMSA vs
I can't say i was around for that era... and I am kind of glad I wasn't :lol:
One of the old-school medics at Skiatook FD was telling about when EMSA came into existance,the idea was they would be a statewide (or atleast Tulsa areawide) EMS provider. he said The Town of Skiatook and several other surrounding towns/cities wanted to go along with this at first- EMSA's response was that they would post a 1 truck at Highway 75 & 86th St N to cover all of Owasso, Sperry, Collinsville, and Skiatook!
My bet is they just put both EDACS and Motorola radios in each truck: that way the can dispatch and operate the OKC system and use the other to communicate with agencies on the State system when needed. I wonder if they'll keep the old UHF-med radio too... thats alota mics to keep track of!
expensive maybe, but we here in Oklahoma are striving for interoperability right?
skywatch said:
I can't say i was around for that era... and I am kind of glad I wasn't :lol:
One of the old-school medics at Skiatook FD was telling about when EMSA came into existance,the idea was they would be a statewide (or atleast Tulsa areawide) EMS provider. he said The Town of Skiatook and several other surrounding towns/cities wanted to go along with this at first- EMSA's response was that they would post a 1 truck at Highway 75 & 86th St N to cover all of Owasso, Sperry, Collinsville, and Skiatook!
My bet is they just put both EDACS and Motorola radios in each truck: that way the can dispatch and operate the OKC system and use the other to communicate with agencies on the State system when needed. I wonder if they'll keep the old UHF-med radio too... thats alota mics to keep track of!
expensive maybe, but we here in Oklahoma are striving for interoperability right?
Last edited:
- Status
