Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Scott Gilman, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with American Medical Response West - SMART for Assessment and Transportation of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Clients
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with American Medical Response West -SMART for assessment and transportation of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services clients for the term of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022, in an amount not to exceed $1,342,527.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Mental Assessment and Referral Team (SMART) program was established by the County Health's Emergency Medical Services division (EMS) and American Medical Response West (AMR) in 2005. SMART provides a specially trained paramedic response team to 911 emergency requests for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies who would otherwise be transported by police car or ambulance. The SMART paramedic is trained to de-escalate behavioral health crises and transport clients in a specially equipped sport utility vehicle, which is less intimidating for clients than a police car.
On July 18, 2018, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released for emergency ambulance services with advanced life support. AMR, the County's current ambulance vendor, submitted a proposal and was recommended as the provider for these services.
DISCUSSION:
Through the SMART program, AMR provides medical clearance in the field, facilitates appropriate referral and resolution, and reduces the time spent by local law enforcement on these cases. Since the program's inception, 4,254 County residents have been served, with 373 residents (8.8%) served more than once. Prior to SMART, all clients would have been transported to a hospital emergency department or to jail. The costlier ambulance ride ...
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