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Hart County EMS reports higher call volume, staffing gaps; board approves experience credit for new medic
Summary
County EMS reported a roughly 50% increase in responses year-over-year, current staffing vacancies and leaves, and the board approved two years' experience credit and a pay adjustment for a recently rehired medic.
Hart County emergency medical services reported a surge in responses last year and ongoing staffing shortages during the commissioners' meeting, while the board approved experience credit for a recently rehired medic.
Mike Adams, speaking as the county EMS representative, said the service answered 5,109 calls last year, an increase “about a 50” percent from the previous year, which averaged about 432 responses per month. He said the department currently has two full-time vacancies (one position open and one employee leaving imminently), three employees out on medical leave and one part-time employee filling another slot, and six people enrolled in paramedic school with staggered graduation dates (one mid-summer, the others about a year out).
Adams said the department is covering shifts with overtime and part-time staff where possible and using EMTs for crew roles while recruiting and training new paramedics.
On a personnel motion, the board approved giving Amber Dugan two years’ experience credit and a direct-hire designation; the motion passed on a recorded procedural vote (5–0). Commissioner comments included public appreciation for the EMS staff’s extra shifts and the county’s first responders.
The board and staff discussed recruitment strategies, training schedules to reduce shift conflicts for employees attending paramedic school, and short-term coverage plans while trainees complete certification.
