Paramedics, doctors can share patient records with new system

EVERETT — Diagnosing a patient is not always a clear science.

A new electronic medical-records system is making this process more accurate and safer.

After three years of planning, Fire District 7 partnered with Providence Regional Medical Center Everett in November to launch a system that allows emergency response personnel and doctors to share patient health records in near real time.

On Dec. 6, the Healthcare Information Management System Society awarded Providence with a level seven accreditation. That means the hospital has one of the most advanced medical-record systems, Providence spokeswoman Lisa Daly said.

Fewer than 5 percent of more than 5,000 hospitals have received this accreditation, she said.

All fire districts in Snohomish County have opted to use this system, said Scott Dorsey, deputy chief of emergency medical services at Fire District 7. The Edmonds and Mill Creek campuses of Swedish Medical Center also have upgraded their electronic records.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Under the old system, a paramedic would fill out a report, identifying symptoms the patient exhibited. Doctors did not have access to these reports.

The paramedic would take the patient to the hospital and present his or her medical history. The emergency room physician then would take over patient care.

Oftentimes physicians have questions for paramedics when they’re evaluating a patient, said Dr. Ryan Keay, medical director of the emergency department at Providence.

That paramedic already may be across town responding to another call.

It’s not easy to track them down, Keay said.

With the new system, the paramedic’s report can be uploaded to the patient’s hospital records within minutes.

“Medics are our eyes and ears,” Keay said.

They witness where the emergency occurred and can relay details about what may have contributed to the health problem.

These details help physicians piece together a diagnosis.

Any doctor, no matter how far downstream, has access to paramedics’ reports.

This reduces the risks for patients during hand-offs between doctors, Keay said. Now everyone has the same information to use in medical decisions.

The new system also is a learning tool for emergency responders.

Paramedics can view the doctor’s final diagnosis and compare it to their own.

“We think someone might be having an appendicitis,” Dorsey said. “We know what the signs and symptoms might be, but it’s a guess.”

Before, the hospital would have to physically scan the patient’s records if the fire department wanted copies.

“It’s like someone opened a flood gate,” Dorsey said. “It’s so much more enlightening now. It’s either a confirmation or an opportunity to learn.”

Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen goes through an informational slideshow about the current budget situation in Edmonds during a roundtable event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor recommends $19M levy lid lift for November

The city’s biennial budget assumed a $6 million levy lid lift. The final levy amount is up to the City Council.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Snohomish County property owners can prepare for wildfire season

Clean your roofs, gutters and flammable material while completing a 5-foot-buffer around your house.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

A rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag hanging from a flag pole outside of Lynnwood City Hall moves in the wind on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood to develop policy after pride flag controversy

Earlier this month, the city denied a group’s request to raise an LGBTQ+ pride flag at a public park, citing the lack of a clear policy.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Washington governor wants agencies to look for deeper cuts

The state’s financial turmoil hasn’t subsided. It may get worse when a new revenue forecast comes out this month.

Members of the California National Guard and federal law enforcement stand guard as people protest outside of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, on Tuesday. (Philip Cheung/The New York Times)
Ferguson prepares for possibility of Trump deploying troops in Washington

The governor planned to meet with the state’s top military official Tuesday, after the president sent the National Guard and Marines to respond to Los Angeles protests.

Traffic slows as it moves around the bend of northbound I-5 through north Everett on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Officials: SnoCo commuters should prep for major I-5 construction

Starting in June, a significant repair project in Seattle will close northbound I-5 for days and reduce the number of open lanes for weeks.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.

You're browsing in private mode.
Please sign in or subscribe to continue reading articles in this mode.

The Daily Herald relies on subscription revenue to provide local content for our readers.

Subscribe

Already a subscriber? Please sign in