The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and The Public Consulting Group (PCG) has once again partnered to educate the fire and EMS Community.

The organisations first partnered in 2019 to assist fire departments in understanding new federal regulations which require ground ambulance transport agencies to gather data on their agency’s ground ambulance transportation services, also known as the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection (MGADC) program.

This partnership continues in 2021 and will help fire departments better track their agency’s costs related emergency medical service (EMS) operations and performance, establish and maximize Medicaid revenue enhancement opportunities, through programs such as the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program, and equip departments with the tools they need to successfully participate in the MGADC. 

The IAFC is thrilled to work with PCG as both organizations strive to educate fire and emergency medical services leaders and the first responder community at large. Through a combination of virtual and in-person learning opportunities, the IAFC and PCG will help fire chiefs understand federal regulations that require the collection of ground ambulance activity, cost, and revenue data. The insights from this data will be invaluable in increasing federal reimbursement for ambulance service as well as supporting fire chiefs to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their own agency’s EMS operations. 

PCG is committed to developing practical solutions to help IAFC members improve operational and financial performance, achieve and maintain compliance with federal regulations, and deliver high-quality EMS services. The IAFC is committed to the life, health, and professional development of the fire and EMS community through vision, information, education, services, and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities. The partnership between the IAFC and PCG will aid fire and EMS chiefs to more effectively monitor and assess the financial aspects of their EMS and ambulance operations.

Marc Staubley, Director, Health Practice Area, said, “PCG is excited to continue our partnership with the IAFC to bring innovation and funding to Fire and EMS providers across the country. This partnership reflects our strong desire to support organizations that share our vision and commitment to serving our community.”

Fire Chief Ken Stuebing, IAFC Acting President and Chairman of the Board, said, “Over the past two years, this partnership has led to widely attended webinars, podcasts, and in-person networking functions. PGC provides valuable content via distance learning platforms that support our members and the fire service during COVID and travel restrictions. The IAFC looks forward to continuing this partnership with PCG and to developing new educational opportunities to assist IAFC members in leading their fire departments into the future.

PCG’s experience providing revenue optimization, GEMT cost reporting, MGADC preparedness, and consulting services to over 450 fire and EMS providers across the country makes them a most welcome partner of the IAFC. Throughout 2021, the IAFC and PCG anticipate offering a collection of virtual learning, including webinars and podcasts. The IAFC and PCG also look forward to hosting in-person learning events at the Fire-Rescue International conference in July as well as the VCOS Symposium in the Sun conference in November.