Hospital administrator highlights emergency response issues in Citrus County

During the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners meeting on December 10, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding the county's emergency medical services, particularly in relation to ambulance availability and response times. A veteran in hospital administration, who has spent 37 years in the field, highlighted systemic issues within the Med Flight service, suggesting that the need for routine calls to higher management indicates deeper operational problems.

The speaker emphasized the vastness of Citrus County, noting its size and the increasing demand for emergency services. With a rise in accidents and 911 calls that local fire services struggle to manage, the urgency for enhanced emergency support was clear. The speaker pointed out that the statistics show a troubling trend, with the number of incidents requiring ambulances growing daily.

Moreover, the speaker criticized the lack of accountability and reporting mechanisms for emergency services. They argued that the commissioners should regularly review response data, such as the number of calls and response times, to better understand the service's performance. This oversight could help address the competition among service providers and ensure that the community receives reliable emergency care.

The discussion underscored the need for improved communication and operational efficiency within the county's emergency services. As the demand for these services continues to rise, the board faces the challenge of ensuring that adequate resources and oversight are in place to meet the community's needs effectively. The meeting concluded with a call for more structured reporting and a commitment to addressing the identified issues in future sessions.