Reno City Council

EMS system governance — Disagreement over whether oversight should be through county agency, district board of health, or other entity. Also unresolved: contract terms between REMSA and RASSI, and whether 911 consolidation is necessary — working group to address in three main categories (dispatch, franchise agreement, oversight authority).

Fire first responder value — Council member questioned whether fire department first responders make clinical difference in patient outcomes. Dr. Cohen argued they provide value beyond clinical outcomes including rapid response and appropriate call matching — no council decision made; both positions remain.

Dispatch system design — Disagreement over whether sheriff's dispatch should physically co-locate EMS dispatch or use computer link (CAD-to-CAD). Sheriff's group advocates federal-grant-funded Tiburon system upgrade; REMSA argues virtual connection sufficient due to different software — working group requesting authorization to proceed with permanent CAD-to-CAD solution, with temporary option only if permanent solution delays.

Paramedic expansion — Council asked if paramedic-level first responders in rural areas would improve response times. Dr. Cohen said no evidence-based answer exists yet; data collection would take 12-18 months — deferred pending data gathering.

REMSA cooperation — Council member noted REMSA commissioned counter-reports to Tri-Data recommendations rather than embracing them. REMSA president defended new leadership's commitment to openness and cooperation — REMSA confirmed to be included in all future working group meetings.

Medical call dispatch authority — Disagreement over whether sheriff's PSAP must remain point of contact for all 911 calls or whether medical calls should transfer directly to REMSA as primary responder to reduce delay — unresolved.

$796,000 — Tiburon computer-aided dispatch system upgrade including CAD-to-CAD link for Washoe County and City of Reno — Federal Department of Homeland Security grant through State of Nevada Division of Emergency Management.

Tiburon grant acceptance vote — Reno City Council scheduled to vote February 13, 2013 on accepting the $796,000 federal grant for dispatch system upgrade.

Working group prioritization plan — Managers must return at next joint meeting with how the 38 EMS recommendations will be addressed within three main categories (dispatch, franchise agreement, oversight) and timeline for implementation.

REMSA franchise agreement review — Identified as highest-priority working group topic; will determine future structure of ambulance service in region.