Commissioners discuss need for additional ambulance service in rapidly growing county

Concerns over the introduction of a new ambulance service in Citrus County took center stage during the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners meeting on December 10, 2024. The discussion highlighted the need for additional emergency medical services as the county's population continues to grow, particularly among retirees with increasing medical needs.

A key speaker, Robert Quintorno, who owns the property where the new service plans to operate, emphasized the importance of having multiple ambulance providers in the area. He argued that relying on a single company for emergency services is risky, stating, "If something goes wrong... it’s a responsibility and it’s private industry." Quintorno's testimony underscored the necessity for competition in the ambulance sector to ensure adequate coverage for residents.

Support for the new service was echoed by Dr. Carmen Kubachek, a retired pediatrician, who pointed out alarming statistics regarding prenatal care in the county. She stressed the urgency of having more ambulances available, particularly for vulnerable populations. "We need to be ahead of this and make sure that everyone is qualified to be in those ambulances," she stated, highlighting the critical nature of timely medical response.

The meeting also featured concerns from Commissioner Kennard, who questioned the qualifications of the new service provider, suggesting that the community should be cautious about allowing a company with limited local experience to operate. However, many community members, including Quintorno and Kubachek, argued that the potential benefits of increased competition and improved emergency response capabilities outweigh the risks.

As the county grapples with its growing healthcare demands, the discussions from this meeting signal a pivotal moment for emergency medical services in Citrus County. The board's decision on whether to approve the new ambulance service could significantly impact the community's health and safety moving forward.