The Anne Arundel County Fire Department’s Office of Quality Assurance and Improvement continued to advance its mission of excellence in pre-hospital care throughout 2024. As custodians of quality, the division remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of care, fostering operational efficiency, and driving continuous improvement. Through strategic initiatives and a dedication to excellence, the Office achieved significant milestones this year, enhancing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) delivery and improving patient outcomes for the residents and visitors of Anne Arundel County.

Resources and Utilization:

The Department relies on over 1,000 clinicians, including both career and volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics, to deliver comprehensive emergency medical care.

The Department’s current infrastructure includes 30 ALS ambulances, 14 BLS ambulances, 10 ALS-equipped engines, and three 24-hour EMS Supervisors. This year, our clinicians provided care to more than 58,000 patients, resulting in over 47,000 transports to emergency departments or specialized centers, including comprehensive cardiac, stroke, trauma, and pediatric facilities. Patients were transported via ground ambulance or air medical services in partnership with the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and U.S. Park Police.

Performance Metrics Improvement: 

The Department earned the Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus – Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll award from the American Heart Association, a testament to our commitment to evidence-based care. This award reflects the Department’s exceptional ability to deliver timely and effective treatment for STEMI (heart attack) patients in accordance with national standards.

Training and Skill Enhancement:

In 2024, over 65 ALS Paramedics maintained credentials for Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation (RSI), a critical skill set approved by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). Quarterly training and annual evaluations ensure clinicians meet the rigorous standards required for this program.

The Department’s Tactical Paramedics continued to support the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Quick Response Team (QRT), providing 24/7 coverage and advanced tactical emergency medical care during operations. These paramedics integrate into quarterly training with the QRT and operate under an expanded scope of practice to enhance operational readiness.

The Office of Quality Assurance and Improvement collaborated with the Training and Research Division to design and implement department-wide training and targeted improvement plans, aligning with performance benchmarks and fostering clinical excellence. 

Technological Improvements and Integration: 

The continued integration of "First Watch" and "First Pass" Quality Assurance systems enhanced operational efficiency and resource allocation. These tools have reduced hospital turnaround times for ambulances and optimized EMS responses to meet the growing needs of our community.

 Quality Assurance Audits and Review: 

Comprehensive internal audits were conducted to evaluate and enhance the quality of care delivered by clinicians. Audit findings were used to implement targeted improvements, address challenges, and ensure adherence to nationally recognized care standards, ensuring patients' the highest level of service.

Looking Ahead:

The achievements of the Office of Quality Assurance and Improvement team in 2024 demonstrate a continued dedication to enhancing emergency medical care and operational effectiveness. By addressing challenges, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence, the Office is well-positioned to build on its successes in the years to come, ensuring that Anne Arundel County remains at the forefront of pre-hospital care and system-wide quality improvement.

The Office of Quality Assurance and Improvement’s annual report for 2024 reflects a year of significant accomplishments and continued commitment to ensuring our clinicians provide exceptional emergency medical care. By addressing challenges head-on and embracing innovative solutions, our division is poised to build upon these achievements in the coming years, further solidifying our role as leaders in pre-hospital care, quality, and system-wide improvement.