Fridley Fire Chief John Berg and Fridley City Manager Bill Burns met with William P. Snoke, Director of the Office of EMS for Allina Hospitalsand Clinics in December. At the meeting, they learned that the number of medical assist calls by Allina's Medical Transportation Division were up in 2010. The chart below indicates that the number of calls increased from 2,509 in 2009 to 2,613 in 2010. Average response times increased from 6 minutes and 41 seconds in 2009 to 7 minutes and 52 seconds in 2010. 

 In response to our questions, Mr. Snoke pointed out that along with increased call volume, Allina Medical Transportation saw a $1.5 million reduction in revenues in 2010. While they have not cut EMS staff in response to the revenue loss, they have cut back on overtime hours on the street. He also indicates that they have altered their purchasing patterns to more closely match their needs. Additionally, they have restricted staff travel and conference expenses and are closely scrutinizing all discretionary expenses. None of their cutbacks have affected their training of Fridley firefighters in medical response techniques or affected the number of times Fridley firefighters have had to accompany Allina personnel while transporting patients to area hospitals.

 If you have comments or questions, we invite you to contact Fire Chief John Berg at bergj@ci.fridley.mn.us. Alternatively call him at 572-3610.