On June 9, 2010, the Board of Public Works approved the award of a contract to ImageTrend, Inc., for the purchase and implementation of a new electronic patient care report and data collection system (ePCR) to replace EMAIS®.  The system purchased from ImageTrend, Inc., has been branded by MIEMSS as eMEDS (electronic Maryland EMS Data System).  eMEDS has been successfully implemented in several jurisdictions and will be rolled out statewide throughout Calendar Year 2011. 

As a component of the eMEDS purchase, MIEMSS acquired the ability to setup a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system interface between a participating EMS Operational Program (EMSOP) CAD system and eMEDS.  Establishing a CAD interface will improve data accuracy and reduce data entry work performed by EMS field providers.  To assist EMSOPs in establishing a CAD interface MIEMSS has created the CAD Interface Grant Program. 
 
Funds for the CAD Interface Grant Program were provided by the Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The CAD Interface Grant is a 60/40 matching grant program allowing MIEMSS to reimburse the EMSOP 60% of the costs associated with the services performed by ImageTrend, Inc., to establish the CAD interface.  The maximum grant reimbursement is capped at $25,000 dollars.

Under the grant program, MIEMSS will only reimburse an EMSOP for services performed by ImageTrend, Inc.  No computer equipment, network equipment, or communications services can be purchased with this grant.  Purchase of services from ImageTrend, Inc., is the responsibility of the EMSOP through a contract directly between the ImageTrend, Inc., and the EMSOP. Purchase of CAD Interface services should be under the guidance of the EMSOP’s procurement procedures. 

In order for an EMSOP to participate in the CAD Interface Grant Program the EMSOP must be moving from EMAIS® to eMEDS or intending to adopt eMEDs.  Additionally, the requesting EMSOP must be part of a jurisdiction/agency which is responsible for receiving 911 calls and dispatching EMS units via a public safety answering point (PSAP) using a computer aided dispatch system.
 
To apply for the grant an EMSOP must complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form available on the MIEMSS website or through the EMSOP’s MIEMSS Regional Administrator.  EOIs should be submitted to MIEMSS through the Regional Administrator and must be received no later the June 30, 2012, for consideration during Federal Fiscal Year 2012 (FFY12).  After the notification of award and the execution of the Agreement, the EMSOP, or responsible jurisdiction agency, may then proceed with the acquisition of services from ImageTrend Inc.  All work performed under this second grant must be completed and required paperwork returned to MIEMSS by August 15, 2012.  Copies of the paid invoices must be submitted to MIEMSS, along with a letter requesting reimbursement on the EMSOP’s letterhead.  It typically takes about 30 days from receipt of the appropriate paperwork for a reimbursement check to be generated.  Please see the 2012 HSO CAD Grant SOP document for additional guidance.

EMSOPs should consider and discuss with their Regional Administrator how and when they would like to participate in the CAD Interface Grant Program. 

Note:  All work performed under this second grant must be completed and required paperwork returned to MIEMSS by August 15, 2012.