QRS - Quick
Response Services
by:
David W.
Hayes
EPA Region Interagency Liaison
01/2001
Several
alpine ski patrols in the Eastern PA Region have successfully
met all the requirements and are recognized as Quick Response
Services [QRS] by the Pennsylvania Department of Health [DOH];
Division of Emergency Medical Services Systems. Each patrol is
thereby "considered an integral part of the emergency medical
service system in the Commonwealth".
 Each
Patrol received a Certificate of Recognition and reflective
Seals acknowledging their accomplishment. Other Pennsylvania
patrols are currently pursuing recognition.
QRS recognition is a statewide program sponsored by the DOH as a
voluntary recognition program. It is coordinated through local
Emergency Health Service Councils and the Commonwealth's
Division of Emergency Medical Services Systems located in
Harrisburg, PA. All ski patrols in Pennsylvania are eligible to
apply for the recognition.
QRS recognition provides Pennsylvania patrols a number of
advantages:
-
Access to Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund [EMSOF].
This fund provides financial resources to apply towards
the purchase of emergency medical equipment, radios, and
other items that are typically used in providing
emergency services.
(For instance: In the latest publication by Emergency
Health Services Federation's "Dispatch" magazine, it was
reported that Whitetail Resort Patrol QRS [SW Section]
was awarded $2,321.00 of 97-98 EMSOF funds. One of the
expenses included was an AED for the patrol.)
-
EMS frequency authorization and radio communications
links to: 911 Dispatch Centers, Emergency Departments,
BLS/ALS Services, and other emergency services in the
region.
-
Increased exposure to EMS community that improves
rapport, understanding, and recognition of NSP
abilities, training, and quality care.
-
Recognition of NSP standards of care by a governmental
agency.
-
Enhanced quantification of the quality of care during
potential litigation situations.
-
Support of NSP goal for increased interagency
interaction.
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To date, no pertinent negatives have been identified with pursuing
QRS recognition that would adversely effect the National Ski Patrol,
local patrols, patrollers, or the EMS community.
Just in case...a contingency plan is available in the event
conditions arise that would indicate an inconsistency with National
Ski Patrol policies and/or regulations; or, if the Department or
local Councils would dictate policies inconsistent with the views of
the National Ski Patrol. In the event of such occurrences, reversal
of the current achievements are easily accomplished and a full
retreat from any association with the Commonwealth and EMS
organizations can be implemented.
In addition to the QRS project, the EPA Region, has successfully
lobbied for recognition of the NSP-OEC training curriculum by the
DOH. The NSP-OEC curriculum has been accepted as "substantially"
equivalent to Pennsylvania's First Responder Training.
Furthermore, the National Ski Patrol has been accepted as a member
of the Pennsylvania
Emergency Health Services Council [PEHSC]. PEHSC is the advisory
council to the PA Dept. of Health.
David Hayes,
EPA Region Interagency Liaison, and Steve Schopfer, WAPP
Eastern Section Chief, are the primary and alternate NSP
representatives on this council.
© National Ski Patrol - Eastern Division -
All Rights Reserved
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