Little Rock, Arkansas Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) has become a trailblazer in the State of Arkansas by becoming the first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider to integrate their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system with the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange (SHARE) Health Information Exchange (HIE). This pioneering move involves the integration of MEMS’s ESO EHR system with SHARE HIE, marking a significant advancement in healthcare interoperability and setting a benchmark for other EMS providers in the state.

Pioneering Integration

MEMS’s decision to integrate their ESO EHR with SHARE HIE demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to improving patient care and streamlining communication across various healthcare providers. This integration ensures that critical patient information collected by MEMS during emergency responses is seamlessly and securely shared with hospitals, clinics, primary care providers (PCPs), behavioral health (BH) providers, and other members of the patient care team in real-time.

Enhancing Continuity of Care

The integration of MEMS’s ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR) with SHARE HIE brings numerous benefits, including:

1. Improved Patient Outcomes: By providing healthcare providers with immediate access to up-to-date emergency medical data, clinicians can make more informed decisions, leading to better patient outcomes. For instance, having access to vital information such as medications administered, vital signs, and patient history during an EMS transport can be crucial during the initial treatment phases in the emergency department (ED).
2. Streamlined Workflows: The seamless exchange of data reduces the need for redundant data entry and minimizes the risk of errors. This integration allows for a more efficient workflow as healthcare providers can quickly access and review the EMS reports within their own EHR systems.
3. Enhanced Communication: The real-time sharing of information ensures that all members of the patient care team are on the same page, facilitating better coordination and communication among EMS, ED, and other healthcare providers. This is particularly beneficial in critical and time-sensitive situations.

A Model for Others

The successful integration of MEMS’s ESO EHR with SHARE HIE sets a precedent for other EMS providers in Arkansas and beyond. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of interoperability, MEMS serves as a model for other EMS organizations aiming to enhance their service delivery and patient care using advanced health information technology.

“Integrating our ESO EHR with SHARE HIE represents a significant milestone for MEMS and the broader healthcare community in Arkansas. This integration ensures that our emergency medical services are seamlessly connected with hospitals and other healthcare providers, enabling us to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients. We are proud to lead the way in this important initiative and are confident that it will serve as a model for others to enhance interoperability and patient outcomes across the state.”– Greg Thompson, Executive Director of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS)

A Unified Vision for Better Healthcare

The collaboration between MEMS and SHARE HIE underscores the commitment to a unified vision for better healthcare in Arkansas. By breaking down data silos and fostering a more connected healthcare ecosystem, this integration paves the way for a future where comprehensive patient information is readily accessible, leading to more coordinated and effective care.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services’ integration with SHARE HIE is a landmark achievement in the quest for improved healthcare interoperability in Arkansas. This forward-thinking initiative not only enhances the quality and efficiency of emergency medical care but also serves as an inspiration for other EMS providers to follow suit. As MEMS continues to lead the way, the benefits of this integration will undoubtedly ripple across the entire healthcare continuum, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes for patients statewide.

About Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS):  MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties, the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood & Cabot. MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and over 400,000 people.
Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services is committed to providing high-quality on-scene, pre-hospital, and transport care to the residents and visitors in the MEMS service area, all while improving the quality of life in our communities.

Media Contact:
Aaron Gilkey
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEMS Graduates 48^th Rookie Class
16 individuals successfully complete EMT training  

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 21, 2024) – Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) graduated its 48^th Rookie Class. Graduates has successfully completed initial screenings and testing throughout the eight-week training program.

Through a partnership with South Arkansas Community College, MEMS offers college credit at its headquarters for EMT training. MEMS EMT-B training, otherwise known as Rookie School, is usually held twice each year as staffing needs occur. Classes and deadlines to apply will be announced prior to the anticipated start date. 

“We are very proud of the efforts of our graduates and the staff who conducted this eight-week training,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “Our 16 newest EMT’s have answered the call, worked hard, and are now prepared to serve our community with skill and dignity.”

After successful course completion, rookies must obtain Arkansas and national licenses. All graduates are offered full-time employment and are eligible to bid for a full-time shift and be a part of an ambulance crew.

For more information on future classes, please visit metroems.org/training. Applications for the August class will be announced soon.

Names of the photographed graduates are listed Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Summer Bassford, Noah Carraway, Heather Carson, Jacob Davis, Caitlin Esquivel, Amaya Etherton, John Hood, India Hudson-Fain, Jennifer Knight-Brewer, Wyatt Martin, Rebekah McBride, Vivian Noble, Breckin Parent, Carshona Parker, Zoey Patterson, Nicholas Pelczar

About MEMS

MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. 

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Media Contact: Aaron Gilkey

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Two MEMS Employees Receive Prestigious Award

Photos available here

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 7, 2023) – Two Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) employees have received the American Ambulance Association’s “Stars of Life” nomination. Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.

Paramedic and Field Training Officer Garrett Whisenhunt and Paramedic Chris Workman were recognized for their contributions as ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.

“Garrett and Chris represent the best of EMS,” said Greg Thompson, executive director. “We are fortunate that they, day in and day out, have chosen to dedicate their time and talents to improving health outcomes throughout our community.”

Sergeant Whisenhunt completed his Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine with highest honors and has been serving in EMS for more than five years. Garrett is committed to lifelong learning and has formed the "Journal Club" at MEMS to increase knowledge and reduce self-doubt for himself and his EMS colleagues. He is also involved in various initiatives to improve safety practices and interdepartmental relationships.

“I am fortunate to have found a career I love,” said Whisenhunt.” This award is just the icing on the cake.”

Chris Workman is known for his community involvement, volunteerism, and auctioneering skills. Chris has served as a Volunteer Firefighter and Reserve Police Officer and has coached children’s T-Ball teams. He is a member of the MEMS Honor Guard and the Arkansas Emergency Medical Technician Association. Chris is also a small-business owner, operating Workman’s Auction since 2006. He is deeply humble and compassionate and offers non-traditional, outside-of-the-box care for his patients that sets him apart from his peers.

“EMS is a calling, and I was called 23 years ago,” said Workman. “To be recognized by my peers with the Stars of Life” award is an honor.”

About the American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

About MEMS

MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers.

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For release September 21, 2023                                                                

Contact: Trish Villines

Phone: 501-804-7409

Email:    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – An architect firm, hospital, makeup manufacturer, dental insurance provider, two long-term care facilities and two service organizations had one thing in common earlier today. Each organization was awarded with an Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award during the 29th Annual Awards Celebration at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald presented the awards.

The architect firm and hospital earned the highest level awarded this year—the Achievement Award. Cromwell Architects Engineers and White River Medical Center have both worked over the last few years to advance to the third of four award levels. Achievement Award recipients have shown a commitment to and practice quality principles demonstrating systematic processes and favorable performance results. These applicants prepare a 45-page application and participate in a one and one-half day site visit.

Delta Dental of Arkansas, Sherwood, and L’Oreal USA, North Little Rock received the second level—the Commitment Award. Applicants are required to respond to a condensed set of questions and receive a feedback report to better understand their process and results strengths and opportunities.

Four organizations received the first award level, the Challenge Award which included: ARORA of Little Rock, MEMS of Little Rock, Manila Healthcare Center of Manila and Gosnell and Rehabilitation of Gosnell. The Challenge Level is the starting point for any organization and requires organizations to define key characteristics such as mission, vision, values, customer groups, and strategic challenges and advantages.

The award process drives organizations toward quality principles. Organizations self-assess and carefully review the award-level requirements before deciding at which level to apply. Each level increases the requirements of the applicant to describe systematic processes and results. In addition to the award recognition, the greatest value for program participants is the in-depth evaluation and written feedback report citing strengths and areas for improvement. Only 27 Arkansas organizations have ever received the highest-level, the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.

The goal of the program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement, which leads to performance excellence. Created as a not-for-profit organization, the program is dedicated to assist in building a strong infrastructure for Arkansas businesses. The award process aligns with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award and used the Baldrige Excellence Framework. 

The Governor’s Quality Award program is coordinated by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

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