HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has revealed a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for 911 Ground Ambulance Transport for Kauaʻi and Maui Counties. The RFPs come from DOH’s Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB) and have been introduced to replace the previously canceled RFPs from October 23, 2023, after concerns were raised.
Hawai‘i State Health Director Kenneth S. Fink commented on the matter stating, "While it was never the intent of DOH to reduce the qualifications of emergency responders, the previous RFPs did not make this entirely clear."
The new RFPs come with several changes, including the addition of another ambulance for Moloka‘i, increasing the number of ambulance units serving Maui County from 10 to 11. The amendments in the new RFPs focus on quality and performance, with new requirements for quality assurance and pediatric emergency care coordinators. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on disaster preparedness and initiatives for community paramedicine.
Regarding aeromedical transport, the RFPs do not include this service, but there will be no disruption to the current 911 aeromedical response. Efforts are being made during the legislative session to expand an air ambulance system for efficiency purposes. In case of legislative setbacks, DOH will individually procure aeromedical services for Maui County.
Stephen Downes, the Media Contact for the DOH, highlighted that current contracts were extended to guarantee uninterrupted access to ground ambulance services for residents of Maui and Kauaʻi County.
The City and County of Honolulu operate their EMS system, while the County of Hawaiʻi’s Fire Department runs its EMS system through an agreement with DOH. For counties without EMS operations, DOH collaborates with private emergency medical ground ambulance services.
# # # Media Contact: Stephen Downes