LETTER: Ambulance service takeover—it’s only the money

1. The County Commission has determined that it will be more efficient to have three stations, more centrally located than the seven station which are scattered pretty well around the county.

2. The County Commission has determined that they can provide the same service with six units plus three in reserve than the 13 units in service now.

3. The County Commission has determined that they can provide that those six ambulances can be staffed with two people each which is the current staffing. The difference is that now, in many cases, the career staff is assisted by highly trained volunteers who won’t be there under the new system.

4. The County Commission has determined that the travel time to calls from three central stations will be the same as it is now. How can you add miles to a trip without adding more time to make the trip and return? The result—increase delay in getting a patient to a medical facility.

What is all this going to cost taxpayers? They will have to purchase nine ambulances, probably used. They will have to rent garage space for the units and living space for the staff or build new facilities. They will have to hire billing clerks and probably additional clerical and administration staff.

Finally, why did this happen at this time and in this way? One reason—the County Commission wants to get its hands on the money the volunteer fire departments receive from insurance companies and medicare for patient transport services. And they decided to take the most drastic action available to them.

One final thought—if you read the media coverage of this action nowhere is improved patient care mentioned. It has never been a concern of the County Commission. Only the money!