Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Ohio State University has indicated a desire to provide velociter modems and data transmission services to the Columbus Fire Division. The Columbus Fire Division respectfully requests acceptance of this equipment and transmission services, which will improve communications between Columbus Fire Division Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the medical facilities to which they transmit data.
Currently, the Fire Division employs cell phone technology to send electrocardiograms (EKG) of patients suffering acute myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) to medical facilities. The medical facilities then interpret the data and react accordingly based upon the physician's interpretation of the EKG strip. This transfer of data relies on a constant stream of information (or connection) for its success.
New technology exists for the transmission for these EKGs which utilizes packet switch technology. This method acts like the internet, bundling the information up and sending it by the most direct and efficient route. A constant connection is not necessary because the information is sent in a 'burst' instead of a stream. If there is an interruption in the data stream, the transmission picks up where it left off, dramatically expediting the delivery of the data. Transmission times utilizing the improved method take only 30 - 60 seconds.
A private benefactor has provided funds through the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital which will allow The Ohio State University to purchase this technology for all Central Ohio EMS agencies, including the City of Columbus Fire Division.
Bid Information: N/A
Contract Compliance: N/A
Emergency Legislation: Emergency legislation is requested to allow Columbus Fire to begin implementation of this service improving and cost saving technology once equipment is delivered.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an acceptance of equipment and service donation. There is no required city match and no immediate financial impact to the city. This equipment and service donation is valued at $21,836.00. The Columbus Fire Division will be responsible for the data transmission services at the end of the fifth year of service, which is estimated at $320 per month or $3,840.00 annually.
Title
To authorize the Fire Chief to accept a donation of data transmission equipment and services from The Ohio State University for Emergency Medical Services, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, The Ohio State University has indicated their desire to donate data transmission equipment and services to the Division of Fire for the transmission of EMS-related information; and
WHEREAS, emergency legislation is necessary to enable the Division of Fire to utilize this data transmission equipment once it is delivered; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Fire Chief to accept this donation of data transmission equipment and services thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Fire Chief be and is hereby authorized and directed to accept a donation of data transmission equipment and services from The Ohio State University for use in Emergency Medical Services.
SECTION 2. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.