The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo will honor the Colorado Springs Fire Department with the 2023 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award for their innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services. The award presentation will take place at the 33rd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on May 23rd in Washington, D.C.
Members of the CSFD administration will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to accept this award.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) was selected for this award for its Tiered Response Program. Like many fire departments nationwide, CSFD faced significant challenges dispatching ALS Engines and Trucks on 911 calls and treating patients for non-emergencies. In response, the fire department developed a multi-tiered response program that dispatches appropriate resources and personnel based on the patient's actual needs. The program covers various potential users of the 911 system, including super-utilizers, the elderly, the mentally ill, homeless, and incarcerated. Over 50 departments across the nation have met with CSFD personnel to learn about their program.
The representatives of CFSI will also be visiting Colorado Springs to present the award to the department during a city council meeting. The date for their visit is yet to be determined.