VIPR Medical Equipment QandA 3.pdf

SOLICITATION 12024B23Q7001 and 12024B23Q7002 VIPR I-BPA for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) for Region 13 - National

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #3

NOTE: This is the third of multiple Q&A documents posted for this solicitation

The Following questions have been received:

1. Question: Question: Can multi-lead (interpretive) device be described further?

Answer: Exhibit M states “Cardiac/defibrillation/monitoring/pacing-multi lead (interpretive) device.” This refers to an industry standard cardiac monitor.

2. Question: The equipment list for medical responders shows pacing. That would require a full patient monitor for each Line Paramedic. That is a significant request due to the cost and availability of patient monitors. We have quite a few full patient monitors, but many services do not and cannot afford full patient monitors. Many AEDs have multi-lead monitoring options but not pacing. I could see this causing a big shortage of Paramedics on fires if they are all required to have a pacing monitor. AEMTs scope does not allow them to pace. ‣Confirming the expectation that EMR ALS resources are required to carry a “Multi-lead (interpretive) device” and “O2 tank m4 AND jumbo D”? Can multi-lead (interpretive) device be described further? (some of these items have severe backorder).

‣Cardiac Monitor (AEMT cannot interpret or pace, only Paramedics can) ‣Some of the required medical equipment is far outside the scope of an AEMT. Example:

Laryngoscope and McGill Forceps are used to intubate patients, AEMT cannot intubate in California and Oregon at least.

Answer: This equipment list provided within this agreement is a default list which may be superseded by any state law or medical direction applicable. For any equipment on the list considered outside an EMR’s scope, the MEDL, in consultation with medical direction, may approve on a situational basis.

3. Question: In exhibit M, it states that a "patient carrying device" is required as well as a back board. Can we use something like a sked for both, or do we need 2 separate pieces of equipment?

Answer: Exhibit M in the EMR solicitation requires both a Spinal immobilization – long board (with patient securing straps) and Patient Carrying Device (i.e., flexible with handles, vacuum mattress, rescue basket). The patient carrying device may be any device capable of spinal motion restriction (see examples provided in Exhibit M).

https://apps.fs.usda.gov/vipr/