Spotlight on Ohio EMS
October 2008
Briefly describe the structure, staffing, and funding of your state EMS program.
The Ohio Division of EMS is housed in the Ohio Department of Public Safety and is funded entirely by Seat Belt Fine Money. There is a 20-member regulatory board appointed by the Governor. The Division also oversees fire testing and certifications and has a separate Fire Board. We have a staff of 30 including the Executive Director divided into four sections: Investigations, Operations, Trauma and Special Programs.
What is the biggest challenge facing your state EMS program, and what possible solutions exist?
Our funding coming from Seat Belt Fine Money is decreasing every year due to better compliance and less enforcement. We are trying to obtain a more stable funding source.
What is the most noteworthy accomplishment of your state EMS program to date or recently?
We recently went to "On Line Testing for Fire and no longer offer a paper and pencil test. We also went to "On Line" certification for EMS and Fire.
If you could ask your fellow state EMS officials one question, what would it be?
Does your state have a certification for TEMS (Tactical EMT), or are you discussing or moving in that direction? Reply to: rnrucker@dps.state.oh.us
Richard N. Rucker
Executive Director
The Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services
1970 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43218
rnrucker@dps.state.oh.us
USA State Flags by State-Flags-USA.com