Organizational Structure

The EMS Chief provides general management and top-level leadership to the organization. The EMS Chief is responsible for ensuring that the City is continually provided with emergency medical services in a prompt and effective manner. The EMS Chief supervises and coordinates the daily operations of the agency, provides recommendations on service delivery methods and means, and sets the organization’s strategic direction.

The EMS Lieutenants are responsible for administrative and clinical functions, coordinating the work of subordinate paramedics, and ensuring all necessary resources are provided for daily ambulance operations to run smoothly. The lieutenants may also develop and manage educational programs, and be involved in administration, finance, human resources, clinical affairs, and quality management.  The Operations Manager reports to the EMS Chief.

The EMS Training Officer performs all the functions and duties of a Paramedic, in addition, is responsible for coordinating training activities, maintaining Departmental records, and conducting Quality Assurance reviews in conjunction with the Medical Director and the field personnel. The EMS Training Officer reports to the EMS Operations Manager.

Paramedics are the most highly-trained Emergency Medical Technicians working in the United States. They take charge of patient care at the scene of an emergency and perform life-saving procedures while transporting patients to the hospital. Paramedics are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and equipment in a constant state of readiness for any possible emergency, and for ensuring they maintain their knowledge, training, and skills to the highest level. Paramedics report to the EMS Operations Manager and the EMS Chief.

Although the Medical Director is neither an employee nor an agent of the City, their role is critical to the successful delivery of pre-hospital medical care by providing medical treatment guidance and clinical oversight to the paramedics. The Medical Director assists with the department’s Quality Assurance program and annual training activities and ensures the Paramedics are provided with continuous educational opportunities.  The Medical Director reports to the EMS Chief.