The Summit County Council of Governments convened on April 17, 2023, to discuss critical updates regarding emergency medical services (EMS) and the financial implications of maintaining these services in the region. The meeting focused on the current operational costs, projected revenues, and the necessary staffing levels for effective EMS delivery.

The session began with a presentation outlining the estimated patient revenue for 2023, projected at $2.4 million for the Park City area, with additional revenues of approximately $223,000 from North Summit and $209,000 from South Summit. The total operational cost for EMS in Summit County was identified as $10.3 million, leading to a significant funding gap of $5.6 million when factoring in the $1.8 million subsidy currently provided by the county.

Key discussions highlighted the costs associated with ambulance procurement, which average around $375,000 per vehicle, depending on specifications and capabilities. The council emphasized the importance of understanding the full financial picture of EMS operations, including personnel costs, which constitute the largest expense. It was noted that staffing each ambulance requires one advanced EMT and one paramedic, with a total operational cost of approximately $1.5 million for each ambulance unit.

The meeting also addressed the projected growth rate for Summit County, which is currently estimated at 1.03%. This figure is crucial for forecasting future EMS needs and revenue generation, as it directly impacts the number of ambulance responses and transports. Historical data indicated that about 54% of ambulance calls result in transport, a key factor in revenue calculations.

In conclusion, the council underscored the necessity of addressing the funding gap to ensure the sustainability of EMS services in Summit County. Future discussions will likely focus on potential operational models and strategies to bridge this financial shortfall, as well as ongoing collaboration with economic development leaders to refine growth projections and service delivery.