Wisconsin Ambulance Run Data System (WARDS)

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health has a secure, web-based reporting system called the Wisconsin Ambulance Run Data System (WARDS).  Ambulance service providers are able to enter and submit their ambulance run information electronically via the internet.  This web-based program is available at no charge to Wisconsin ambulance service providers.

The program provides each ambulance service with the following: 

• Ambulance run reporting 
  • Can be customized for each service 
  • Printable run reports 
• Over 100 pre-programmed quality assurance and/or quality improvement reports 
• Ad-hoc reporting 
• An internal service-wide email system 
• A website for each ambulance service provider to customize 

Other data collection programs that ambulance service providers may be using are able to interface with WARDS, allowing services to continue to use those programs.  The only requirement is for the program to create an XML file for uploading to WARDS.

Features/Benefits of WARDS

• WARDS is easy to use. 
• A printable report takes the place of the ambulance run report. 
• Data available to the service will be current. 
• Continuous quality improvement functions are included in the programming. 
• Service information is available at the manager's fingertips for annual reports, budget requests, training records, and other measures of performance. 
• System can help find spikes in symptoms and allow for investigation and early identification of possible disease outbreaks.
• System will assist in identifying interventions that work best for patients by comparing interventions used under different conditions against the patient outcome.

Software for ambulance service providers that prefer to use a laptop computer or a tablet system is available at a reduced cost from the same vendor that hosts the WARDS system.

Obtain access to WARDS 

WARDS is a secure web-based system, and therefore a User ID and password are required to access the system. For log-in requests please contact your Service Director first.  If questions still exist please have your Service Director contact either Chuck Happel at (608) 266-0471 or by email at charles.happel@wisconsin.gov or Paul Wittkamp at (608) 261-9306 or by email at paul.wittkamp@wisconsin.gov.

More information

• WARDS link (exit DHS)

• WARDS WI Modified DRF (Dynamic Run Form) (PDF, 16 KB) Instructions for using the new graphical interface form to create Run Reports within WARDS.

• WARDS Information for 1st Responder Services (PDF, 30 KB)

• WARDS Information for Service Directors (Word, 29 KB)

• WARDS data elements (PDF, 1.5 MB)

• Data Definitions

Aggregate Reports

• 2011 Average Patient Age (PDF, 15 KB)
• 2011 Provider Impression (PDF, 20 KB)
• 2011 Time of Call (PDF, 22 KB)
• 2011 Fractile Response (PDF, 20 KB)

For further information about WARDS, contact Chuck Happel at (608) 266-0471 or by email at charles.happel@wisconsin.gov.  

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Last Revised: April 01, 2013