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EMS system sustainability task force

The EMS System Sustainability Task Force has completed its phase I report. The report provides insight into the current landscape of EMS in Colorado and input on ambulance service oversight in Colorado.

Meeting information

Upcoming meetings
  • Sept. 11, 2024
  • Oct. 16, 2024

Workgroups

The EMS system sustainability task force includes three workgroups focused on governance, funding and human resources. Workgroups meet outside of the normal task force meeting dates.

Task force membership

Requirements and appointing authority are defined in Senate Bill 22-225. The following individuals have been appointed to the task force.

NameRole
Senator Mark BaisleyChair
Representative Kyle BrownVice Chair
Cherilyn WittlerEMS & Ambulance Service Agency (1 of 4)
Gina CarrEMS & Ambulance Service Agency (1 of 4)
Christopher WilliamsEMS & Ambulance Service Agency (1 of 4)
Scott Van SlykeEMS & Ambulance Service Agency (1 of 4)
Jeremy DeWallBoard Certified EMS Physician
James RobinsonEMS Provider
Lisa WardEMS Provider
Annie DorchakCommunity Integrated Health-Care Service Agency
Sean CaffreyGroup Representing EMS Providers
Eric HillChair of SEMTAC
VacantGroup Representing Fire Chiefs
Matthew SammondGroup Representing Professional Fire Fighters
Daniel BarelaGroup Representing EMS Educators
Brandon DarunaGroup Representing Special Districts
VacantGroup Representing County Associations
Mike FreemanGroup Representing County Associations
Barbara HuberGroup Representing Municipalities
Elaine McManisCDPHE Representative 

On June 1, 2022, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 22-225, the “Ambulance Service Sustainability and State Licensing” bill, into law. The new law creates an EMS System Sustainability Task Force to make statutory, rule and policy recommendations for how to preserve, promote and expand consumer access to emergency medical services in the state, including the development of standards for state licensing of ground ambulances and the preservation of local county authority to contract with and authorize licensed ground ambulances operating in their jurisdictions.

Task force phases

  • Phase 1 - Regulatory structure for ambulance service oversight and a report on the state of emergency medical services in Colorado
  • Phase 2- Inequity and disparity in access to EMS in Colorado
  • Phase 3 - EMS Workforce recruiting & retention
  • Phase 4 - Financial sustainability of the statewide EMS system
  • Phase 5 - Long-term sustainability of the statewide EMS system