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IndependentCertified Emergency Professionals

__________________________________________________________________

Andy Tobin

Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives,

May 22nd, 2013House Ambulance, Medical and

Social Service Transportation Study Committee

Speaker Tobin;

I would like to take a brief moment to introduce myself. I am the the de factorepresentative for the private professional EMS providers at one of the major

ambulance companies in Arizona. I have significant experience in dealing with theEmergency Medical System and litigating legal matters that pertain directly to that

system. I think we agree that the system and its providers deserve a full systemreview at your level.

I am aware of the House Ambulance, Medical and Social Service Transportation

Study Committee and I would like to offer my services to the State of Arizona toadd another, and most pertinent, discerning view of the ambulance industry as it is

now and as it has been for the past two decades. I am intermittently available toattend the committee meetings and would like to be an active participant in the

changes to EMS that affect the Great State of Arizona, my home for the past 39years. I bring a great deal of experience in litigating these matters and in the

delivery of Emergency medicine, transportation and the social aspects involved inthis system. With Fire Department Officer, Private Ambulance Officer and Air

medical evacuation being the core of my delivery experience, I feel I can give themost objective of viewpoints pertaining to this venue.

My litigation experience involving the ambulance industry details my dedication toEMS. I have detailed insight that describes the legal ramifications of poor delivery.My services have been volunteer in nature and I self-fund the inter-workings of our

representative organization along with dozens of other dedicated and passionateindividuals that will be, and have been, directly affected by Administration of

Emergency Services here in Arizona.

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Therefore, I would like to formally request to be added to this committee as an

active participant that represents quality professionals and the delivery of EMS toour citizens. I can offer testimony on an as needed basis and 6 years of proven

litigation decisions at the Federal Level that pertain directly to the outcome the

State is trying to achieve. I have another pending case on August 5th, 2013 at theNLRB Courthouse on Central and Virginia. That trial directly affects costs and

delivery of Arizona EMS and is key to what the State will be discussing duringthese upcoming meetings. I feel that the State may be interested in the

proceedings, litigation, and testimony that will be given for that week and maywant to send its own Representative to take notes. To remove any stigma of my

Big Labor presentation, or special interest group affiliations, I have none. I will

place a reminder that I am a volunteer and have followed the Arizona StatesConstitution to the letter in order to provide quality health services to our citizens.

I have earned my positions and they stand alone, unaffiliated with any political

party, interest or partisan alliances that could be viewed as jading my opinion. It ispure and unscathed.

I feel that this committee is necessary at this point for our States future EMS

delivery and the cost of providing that service. The costs can be constrained,performance improved and professionals retained if the system is reformed for

quality outcomes and Contractor Accountability. If we are not successful inreform at this juncture, the financial liabilities will force reform in the very near

future. With this committee that you have formed, I believe the State is ahead of

the situation and will have a very clear picture of the changes that need to be made

by the conclusion of these meetings. On behalf of the 240 providers that I directlyrepresent and the thousands of Arizona EMS Professionals that deserve this

leadership representing their interests, I would ask for formal inclusion on theHouse Ambulance, Medical and Social Service Transportation Study Committee. I

would also like to be included on any lists for Professionals providing testimony,

depending on the need. I would like to thank you sir for your time and attention to

this matter.

Joshua S. Barkley

ICEP, President

Emergency Medical Services LaborAlliance, Arizona Division Officer