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 2025. As custodians of quality, the division remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of care, strengthening system performance, and driving continuous improvement at every level. Through strategic initiatives, data-driven practices, and a commitment to operational excellence, the Office achieved significant progress this year, further enhancing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) delivery for the residents and visitors of Anne Arundel County.

Resources and Utilization

The Department relies on more than 1500 clinicians, including both career and volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics, to provide comprehensive emergency medical care across the county.

Our infrastructure includes:

• 29 ALS ambulances
  
  

• 14 BLS ambulances
  
  

• 9 ALS-equipped engines
  
  

• 3 24-hour EMS Supervisors
  
  

In 2025, clinicians provided care to 55000 patients, resulting in 47000 transports to emergency departments and specialty centers, including comprehensive cardiac, stroke, trauma, and pediatric facilities. Patients were transported via ground ambulance or through air-medical partners such as the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and U.S. Park Police.

The department was fortunate enough to onboard Dr Ian Bussey as an Associate Medical Director. Dr Bussey (former AACoFD Paramedic) has been instrumental in research and training that has benefited EMS.

Mobile Integrated Health Team

In 2025, the Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) Team partnered with the Department of Aging and Disabilities, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Adult Protective Services, and the County Crisis Team to assist 107 residents in need. Through these coordinated efforts, the team continues to reduce unnecessary 911 utilization and prevent hospital readmissions across the county.

Performance Metrics and Clinical Quality

The Department once again demonstrated excellence in pre-hospital medicine. In 2025, the Office tracked key performance indicators, including the entire National EMS Quality Alliance (NAEMSQA) Measure Set.

Furthermore, the Department has once again been recognized by the American Heart Association with the 2025 Mission: Lifeline® EMS GOLD Award, earning distinctions for both the Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll and the newly introduced Target: Stroke Honor Roll.

Training and Skill Enhancement

In 2025:

• 70 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 ensured that clinicians continued to 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 high-risk operations. These clinicians participated in quarterly joint training sessions and operated under expanded clinical protocols to support mission readiness. The team as a whole has supported other surrounding jurisdictions as well as state and federal resources
  
  

• The Office collaborated with the Training and Research Division to design and deliver department-wide education, targeted improvement plans, and mission-specific refresher training aligned with established performance benchmarks.
  
  

Technological Enhancements and System Integration

The Office advanced the use of FirstWatch and FirstPass Quality Assurance platforms to strengthen data oversight, identify improvement opportunities, and enhance resource allocation. These tools contributed to reductions in ambulance hospital turnaround times and supported real-time monitoring of clinical performance and operational key performance indicators.

The department upgraded all of our video laryngoscopes to the “UE2” model, which gives clinicians a better view of placing an endotracheal tube in the airway. The UE2 provides enhanced training due to its video recording capability of airway procedures.

Quality Assurance Audits and Clinical Review

Throughout 2025, the Office conducted comprehensive internal audits of patient care reports, high-risk interventions, time-sensitive conditions, and provider performance. Audit findings were leveraged to:

• Implement targeted training
  
  

• Address recurring challenges
  
  

• Reinforce adherence to evidence-based clinical standards
  
  

• Improve documentation accuracy
  
  

• Enhance patient safety and operational efficiency
  
  

These efforts ensured that all patients continued to receive the highest level of emergency medical care.

Looking Ahead

The accomplishments of the Office of Quality Assurance and Improvement in 2025 highlight the Department’s ongoing dedication to advancing clinical care, enhancing operational effectiveness, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. By embracing innovation, addressing systemic challenges, and championing continuous improvement, the Office is well-positioned to build on this year’s progress and support the evolving needs of our clinicians and our community.