To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: PATRICK BUTLER, FIRE CHIEF
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APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH RESCUE ADVANCEMENT INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION TO FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF EMT AND PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION FOR A THREE-YEAR TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $255,000 AND THE TERM JANUARY 1, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2028
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Approval of the Agreement would initiate a training relationship between the Redondo Beach Fire Department and Rescue Advancement Incorporated (Rescue Advancement). Under the Agreement, Rescue Advancement will provide the Redondo Beach Fire Department with a Continuing Education Nurse, educational resources, and quality professional improvement services that allow the Redondo Beach Fire Department to maintain compliance with the California Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency (LAEMSA) requirements that mandate all emergency medical service (EMS) providers in the County receive either 48 or 24 hours of continuing education every two years, depending on the type of certification.
BACKGROUND
The California EMS Agency requires all paramedics within the state to complete 48 hours of continuing education each two-year period in order to maintain licensure. In accordance with this mandate, the LAEMSA applies the 48-hour continuing education requirement to all practicing paramedics in the County of Los Angeles. Additionally, the LAEMSA requires all practicing Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) to complete 24 hours of continuing education each 2-year period to maintain certification.
Historically, continuing education services were provided by the University of California Los Angeles for a direct cost of approximately $45,000 per year. The transition to a Rescue Advancement represents an increase in the direct contract cost, but will provide the City with a contractor that is better able to meet the specific needs of the Redondo Beach Fire Department and, as a result, reduce staffing impacts and the indirect costs associated with training. The Rescue Advancement team is highly responsive, flexible with scheduling, experienced in working with LAEMSA, respected by Paramedic schools in the area, and possesses a broad network of qualified nurse educators within Los Angeles County and the surrounding area. Rescue Advancement has recruited a local nurse educator that is familiar with the operational model and professionals serving in the Redondo Beach Fire Department which will lead to continuing educational programming that will be tailored to the Department and deliver more value to the City.
Staff recommends approval of the Agreement with Rescue Advancement.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Total Not to Exceed Amount for each year of the Agreement is as follows:
Year 1: $82,500.00
Year 2: $84,975.00
Year 3: $87,524.80
Funding for the agreement is available in the Fire Department’s annual operating budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Agmt - Rescue Advancement, Inc.
• Insurance - Rescue Advancement, Inc.