Volunteer rescue squad reports rising calls, more volunteers and insurance reimbursement disputes

Chief of Emergency Services Ken Gardener delivered the 2024 annual report for the Spirit/Volunteer Rescue Squad, saying the squad’s membership is growing but that rising call volume, insurer payment practices and regional health‑care gaps are creating operational challenges.

Gardener told council the squad has gained volunteers “almost monthly” and said five volunteers had joined since the original report was circulated. He said the unit’s scratch rate — calls that could not be completed by squad resources — was low: “Our scratch rate was 2%,” he said, adding that figure applied to the roughly 2,994 calls during the year.

Gardener described a sustained increase in transports from the local hospital and a pattern of repeat overdose calls. He warned insurers are changing reimbursement practices: “Blue Cross Blue Shield … decided they’re not gonna send a 100% of what’s billed. They’re going to send 80% of what they feel the amount of the call should be paid,” Gardener said, calling the practice “typical health insurance company stuff.” He said the squad continues to pursue appeals and that the company’s shift complicates collection.

The chief also discussed cross‑border care: he has sought contacts with Canadian hospitals and with New York State EMS to help arrange acceptance of patients across the border; he said talks are continuing and that insurance acceptance is one concern for Canadian facilities.

On staffing, Gardener noted changes in New York State training requirements: the basic EMT (EMT‑B) course is now offered at college level with more classroom hours, which he says makes volunteer recruitment harder. As a mitigation strategy, he said the squad and the school district have arranged to offer an EMT elective at the high school next year that will be taught by squad instructors. “These kids will come out. They will receive EMT certification,” Gardener said.

Councilors thanked the chief and praised the volunteer‑first responder system. A question from Councilor Silley asked whether the insurer’s 80% payment would leave the consumer responsible for the balance; Gardener replied that payments are now required to be directed to the ambulance provider, not the patient, but that insurers are simply reducing the percentage they pay.

No formal action was taken; council expressed appreciation for the report and encouraged continued recruitment and partnership with the high school.