What is Med-Act?
Med-Act is the 9-1-1 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Pre-hospital Ambulance service for Johnson County, Kansas. Johnson County is located at the Southwest corner of the metropolitan Kansas City area.
When did Med-Act start?
Med-Act was established in March 1975 as a result of a two-year study by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners.
What area does Med-Act cover?
Med-Act serves the entire Johnson County area. Johnson County covers 476 square miles. Within Johnson County are the cities of Olathe, Merriam, Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Springhill, Gardner, Shawnee, De Soto, Edgerton, Roeland Park, Mission, Mission Hills, Prairie Village, and Westwood.
How many stations does Med-Act have?
Med-Act currently has eighteen fixed stations strategically located throughout the County.
How big (tall) are the ambulances?
The ambulances stand approximately ten feet tall, eight feet wide and twenty-three feet long.
How much fuel does the ambulance hold?
Typically each ambulance has a 38 gallon tank.
How long can an ambulance run on one tank of fuel?
An ambulance can run approximately thirty hours on one tank of fuel. However, it is Med-Act policy to refuel once the level reaches the half-tank mark.
How many patients can you take in one ambulance?
Each ambulance has the capacity to hold up to two patients lying supine (one on the cot; one on the bench). However, depending on circumstances of the emergency, availability of other units, and patients' conditions, a third patient can be transported in a sitting position in the Captain's seat however this is usually reserved for Mass Casualty Incidents which may warrant a change in normal operating procedures.
Why is the engine of the ambulance left running while outdoors?
Ambulances are left running to keep the patient compartment, medications and equipment at a comfortable tempature. It also allows for a rapid departure from a scene, if necessary. In cold weather, leaving an ambulance running allows the diesel engine to operate more efficiently.
How many ambulances respond to each call?
In Johnson County, depending on the city where the emergency exists, one to two ambulances will be dispatched to a call. One ambulance is a Med-Act ALS ambulance, and the second ambulance will be from that city's fire department. Depending on the nature of the call, both ambulances may respond Code 1 (lights and sirens), or only one will be sent Code 1 if the severity of the call is not deemed as high. The first arriving unit will evaluate the patient's condition, and transport via Med-Act unit or Fire unit will be based on the level of care deemed necessary to treat the patient.
Does the ambulance come from one of the hospitals?
No, Med-Act ambulances are based out of stations throughout the county. However, due to the dispatching procedures, a unit that has dropped off a patient to a hospital, may be the closest unit to another emergency call, and can be dispatched from their hospital location to that call.
Why are the stripes (on the ambulances) florescent yellow?
Florescent yellow is one of the most visible colors for people to see on the roadways, therefore help people to spot an approaching or parked ambulance while driving.
What level of service does each ambulance crew provide?
All Med-Act ambulances are staffed with two paramedics and provide ALS (Advanced Life Support) level care.
How much training do paramedics receive?
Paramedic training varies throughout the United States, however, National recommendations for a Paramedic program is approximately 1200 hours. This training is only accomplished after obtaining EMT certification at the EMT-Basic level (approx. 125 hours. ) Depending on state laws, many individuals also become certified at the EMT-Intermediate level before continuing to the Paramedic level.
What kinds of shifts do the paramedics work?
Med-Act paramedics work a California Berkeley type shift schedule of alternating days of 24 hours on-duty and 24 hours off-duty. Paramedics work 24 hours on-duty, followed by 24 hours off-duty for a total of 3 shift days in a 5 day period. This rotation is followed by four days off in a row to relax, recharge, and recuperate for another rotation of shifts. The work day starts at 8 a.m. every morning. Paramedics are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, to serve the public.
What types of calls do you get in a year?
The categories of the calls in which we respond to are: medical, motor vehicle incidents, cardiac, falls and cardiovascular (CVA/Strokes). Other types of patients we transport include sports related accidents, injuries inflicted from animals, diabetic related illnesses, and childbirth to name a few.
How often does Med-Act hire?
Typically, employment processes occur during the first portion of the year around February or March, and again around September or October. Applicants are encouraged to maintain a current updated application and resume on file with Med-Act in the event of a hiring process. To participate in the selection process, a completed application MUST be on file and an applicant must schedule an appointment with our office.
What is the selection process for candidates?
After filling out an application, qualified applicants will be scheduled for an appointment. During this appointment, the candidate will take part of several stations consisting of a written exam, a code blue scenario, a panel interview, and a group exercise. Upon completion of these stations, candidates will be evaluated by the hiring committee and passing candidates will be invited to return for an interview with the EMS Director. Candidates will be re-evaluated and offered positions of employment conditional to successful completion of the physical agility test.
Are you allowed to eat at restaurants while on duty?
No, crews are not allowed to eat in restaurants while on duty, however, crews are allowed to order take out meals from restaurants to be brought back to their station.
What classes does Med-Act teach?
Med-Act has a variety of classes offered to the community. Classes range from CPR and First Aid to Career Talks for students. A complete list of classes is available under Community Education or you can call (913)715-1950 for further information.
Who answers the 9-1-1 phone when I call?
When someone dials 9-1-1 in Johnson County, the call is answered by the Police Dispatcher. The dispatcher will ask a nature of the emergency, and if EMS or Fire is needed, the call will be transferred to the EMS/Fire Dispatcher for further information and dispatching of appropriate crews.
Why does a fire engine and an ambulance respond when someone calls 9-1-1?
Depending on the city within Johnson County that the emergency exists, both an ambulance and fire engine will be dispatched per protocol. This will vary on type of emergency, weather conditions, and system status. Having more than one crew on a scene helps ensure safe delivery of care and moving of the patient, as well as safe moving of equipment from and to the ambulance.
When do I call 9-1-1? How do I get an ambulance to respond?
You should call 9-1-1 when a serious illness or injury exists. Be ready to give address or location of the emergency to the 9-1-1 dispatcher. Once you have called 9-1-1 and given the needed information, appropriate resources will be dispatched to the location of the emergency. You will be asked to remain on the telephone with the dispatcher until a crew has arrived.
How fast are you allowed to go over the speed limit when your lights and sirens are on?
Med-Act policy states an ambulance running "hot" is allowed to go 10 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit on roadways, and 15 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit on highways under ideal weather conditions.
Does Med-Act run calls in Missouri?
Occasionally, Med-Act will operate as Mutual Aid to adjoining agencies in Missouri per their request. Med-Act is not dispatched on calls outside of Johnson County per civilian request.
Can I be transported to any hospital?
Policy states a patient may be transported to a local hospital of their choice unless the severity of the patient's condition warrants a closer hospital.
Do you charge for services?
Yes, there is a charge for service. Med-Act is a non-profit government agency, therefore only charges a designated amount to cover the level of service provided.
Do you take the MAST payment plan?
No, the MAST payment plan is not accepted.
Why do I get billed when I have insurance?
When services have been rendered, you will receive a bill from Med-Act. We will also file a claim with your insurance company. Since you are ultimately responsible for costs not covered by your insurance company, you are provided a bill. This will also allow you to review the bill while waiting for your insurance company to respond.
Why didn't you file my claim with my insurance company?
Upon arrival to the patient's hospital, we make every effort to obtain your insurance information. If, due to circumstances, we are unable to obtain your insurance information, we will be unable to file a claim.
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