Four numbers that count for Medic One/Emergency Medical Services

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Our King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) experts like to measure three-medic-one-trucksthings that matter. Things like lives saved. People helped. Fast responses.

Measuring performance is important, because it’s how we learn what’s working, and how we can continue to improve in saving lives and getting care to people when they need it.

This year’s Emergency Medical Services Division 2017 Annual Report has the latest facts and figures for Emergency Medical Services in King County. Let’s take a look at four numbers that tell the story of a world-renowned program in your own backyard that’s just a phone call away!

142,000  Your Medic One/EMS system responded to more than 142,000 calls in 2016.

Any time you call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency in King County, you are using the Medic One/EMS system.

  • Each 9-1-1 call is received and triaged by professional dispatchers who determine what level of care is needed.
  • Firefighters trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the “first responders” to an incident and provide immediate basic life support medical care to stabilize the patient.
  • Paramedics arrive second on scene to provide out- of-hospital emergency care for critical or life-threatening injuries and illness.
  • EMS personnel determine if transport to a hospital or clinic for further medical attention is needed.
  • Transport is provided by a fire department or Medic One agency, private ambulance or even taxi in some less-critical situations.

3  Every 3 minutes, your Medic One/EMS system provides lifesaving services throughout King County.

The Medic One/EMS system is built on partnerships that provide consistent, standardized medical care, from Shoreline to North Bend to Federal Way. No matter where you are in King County, you’ll receive the same outstanding medical response and delivery.

56  In 2016, Seattle and King County achieved a 56% cardiac arrest survival rate.

Your regional system, with its focus on best medical practices and patient care, has a cardiac arrest survival success rate of two to three times higher than most communities.

One of the most understood and frequently-cited EMS system benchmark conditions is survival from cardiac arrest. The skills required to successfully resuscitate someone tests every aspect of the system — hands-on technical skills, critical decision-making, communication, and coordination.  If a system does well treating cardiac arrest, it likely does well in all conditions.

288  Your Medic One/EMS system saved 288 cardiac arrest victims this past year.

Most of these survivors returned home to resume normal lives with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Thanks to all of the dispatchers, paramedics, EMTs, doctors, nurses, professionals and support staff who work together across the region to make it happen!

And one bonus number…

Everyone!  Medic One/EMS services are available to everyone in King County, whatever or wherever the medical emergency. 

By dialing 9‐1‐1, all residents have immediate access to the best possible medical care, regardless of location, circumstances, or time of day.

This regional system is funded through a six-year property tax levy, with the average King County taxpayer paying about $150 per year. Thanks for supporting world-class Medic One/EMS service that adds up!

Originally posted on October 6, 2017.