Partnering for Public Safety: Savvik Buying Group and Medline Announce GPO Contract

NORTHFIELD, Ill., Aug. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Medline EMS today announced a new partnership with Savvik Buying Group, one of the largest public safety buying groups in the country representing EMS, fire departments, and law enforcement. With the new bid-approved program, more than 8,800 members can now tap into Medline's offering of:

• 550,000+ high-quality medical supplies and products (gloves, glucose meters and airway management devices, etc.)
• Next day delivery capabilities
• Customized online ordering
• Hundreds of dedicated and knowledgeable sales reps.

"EMS agencies and their staff are being asked to do more with less," said Rhonda Baliff, division president, Medline EMS. "Our customers tell us they're dealing with a 10-12 percent increase in call volume, meaning more runs and less time dedicated to purchasing. This new partnership gives them a one-stop-shop choice of suppliers and stronger purchasing power."

Efficient Bidding Process
Last year, fire departments responded to more than eight million EMS calls according to the most recent National Run Survey, data compiled from 259 departments looking at funding, staffing and pay.

"You'll find in many agencies, the person responding to an EMS call is also responsible for bidding," said Mickey Schulte, Savvik Buying Group Executive Director. "By teaming up with Medline, which has a solid and reliable reputation, we're able to help our members' budget dollars go even further. They can order their medical supplies in seconds on an easy-to-use website while taking advantage of this national contract and still get healthcare expertise from local reps."

Giving Back
In addition to finding competitive ways to free up time and dollars for first responders, Savvik gives back a third of the money it earns and reinvests back into EMS. The non-profit organization distributes funds among national, state and local affiliated associations. It also assists EMS associations in creating greater efficiencies, and lends support at a legislative level by pushing for reform to improve the public safety industry.

Savvik membership is also free to agencies who sign up. As the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, Medline is a direct source for quality EMS solutions at substantial savings. To learn more about products and solutions from Medline EMS visit ems.medline.com or follow Medline EMS on Twitter @MedlineEMS.

About Medline
Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor serving the health care industry with medical supplies and clinical solutions that help customers achieve both clinical and financial success. Headquartered in Northfield, Ill., the company offers 550,000+ medical devices and support services through more than 1,600 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on its social media channels.

About Savvik Buying Group
Headquartered in St. Could, Minn., Savvik Buying Group serves over 8,800 members in North and South America and around the globe in the public safety sector. As the business behind public safety, Savvik Buying Group helps EMS services, Fire Departments, Law Enforcement agencies, Hospitals, Schools, and Government agencies focus on reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and improving quality. Savvik Buying Group just celebrated 20 years. Membership is free to join. For more information about Savvik Buying Group go to www.savvik.org.

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SOURCE Medline