It’s a huge responsibility overseeing the more than 1,000 field-level EMTs and paramedics who render care and transport in Volusia County. Dr. Peter Springer, who has done the job now for more than 16 years, is stepping down from his role as Volusia County’s longtime medical director. His last day will be July 1, according to a memo he delivered this week to Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald.
“I have been honored to serve the people of Volusia County and I am hopeful that my 16 years of service has made a sincere difference in how emergency medical services have been delivered to our wonderful citizens,” Dr. Springer wrote in his memo to Recktenwald. “I have never been so proud of the wonderful people that I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be associated with such a competent and caring team.”
Dr. Springer has served as medical director since January 2006. He works in the county’s Public Protection Department as part of Emergency Medical Administration team, which is responsible for providing clinical oversight to the various emergency medical services providers throughout the county. Essentially, all emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the county, regardless of their agency, operate under the direct supervision of the county’s medical director.
EMS agencies in the county transport approximately 63,000 patients every year to area hospitals. As medical director, Dr. Springer – who is a licensed, board-certified emergency medicine physician – is responsible for establishing standing orders and treatment protocols for all EMS personnel working in the field. He’s also on a team that routinely analyzes patient care reports as part of a robust quality assurance program. During his tenure, Dr. Springer established a countywide paramedic clearing program to ensure the competency of clinical providers before they’re approved to provide patient care. He also created a comprehensive stroke protocol, established a stand-alone emergency medical dispatch program as well as an innovative nurse triage program to better assess the medical and treatment needs of callers.
The county manager had high praise for the accomplishments and advancements under Dr. Springer.
“There’s no doubt that Volusia County is safer and lives have been saved as a result of Dr. Springer’s efforts,” said Recktenwald. “I’m sure the entire community joins me in thanking Peter for his service.”
Original source can be found here.
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