eCare Ambulance seeks approval for expanded non-emergency services in Citrus County

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 10, 2024, to discuss the application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) submitted by eCare Ambulance Inc. The meeting featured extensive presentations and testimonies regarding the need for additional ambulance services in the county.

Mike Arguelles, representing eCare Ambulance, opened the discussion by emphasizing the critical need for enhanced non-emergency medical transportation services in Citrus County. He highlighted the county's significant population growth and aging demographic, which has led to increased demand for healthcare services. Arguelles presented statistics indicating that the county's existing ambulance provider, Med Fleet, is unable to meet the current demand, with estimates suggesting a daily need for 35 to 59 emergency ambulance trips. He noted that the current provider has a capacity for only 18 trips daily, leading to delays and compromised public safety.

Caitlin Armstrong, eCare's Director of Operations, further elaborated on the necessity for additional services, citing surveys conducted with local healthcare facilities and residents. She reported that 100% of surveyed residents supported the addition of a non-emergency ambulance provider, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the current provider's service quality and response times. Armstrong also mentioned that eCare plans to invest $3.5 million in the local healthcare infrastructure, which would create 48 jobs and enhance service availability.

Alberto, eCare's attorney, argued that the current provider has not adequately demonstrated the ability to meet the community's needs, citing delays and missed calls as evidence of service deficiencies. He urged the commissioners to consider the necessity and convenience of adding eCare as a provider, emphasizing that competition could lead to improved services and lower costs for residents.

The meeting also included testimonies from local healthcare professionals and facility representatives. Many expressed concerns about the current provider's reliability, citing instances of long wait times and inadequate service. Dr. Keith Gould, a local physician, noted that delays in ambulance response times have been problematic, particularly for critical care patients. Other facility representatives echoed these sentiments, advocating for the introduction of eCare as a means to enhance service quality and availability.

In conclusion, the board's discussions underscored a clear consensus on the need for additional ambulance services in Citrus County. The testimonies and data presented highlighted significant gaps in the current system, prompting calls for the approval of eCare's application to ensure better healthcare access for the community. The board is expected to deliberate on the application in the coming weeks, with public safety and service quality at the forefront of their considerations.