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County clarifies EMS staffing concerns: no privatization planned; medical‑director contract to be rebid
Summary
County staff said there is no plan to privatize EMS, that the medical‑director contract will be rebid (Dr. Tober invited to bid) and that staffing shortages for helicopter mechanics are prompting recruitment and training discussions.
County staff and commissioners addressed public questions about emergency medical services after recent correspondence and public concern.
Miss Patterson (county staff) and other officials told the board there is no intent to privatize emergency medical services. Staff said the county notified the sitting medical director(s) that the medical‑director contract will be put out to bid—a standard contracting practice after many years under a single contract—and that the incumbent medical director, Dr. Tober, was informed and may submit a bid. The county emphasized there was no firing or involuntary termination of the medical director.
Separately, staff discussed MedFlight operations and said a shortage of trained helicopter mechanics has raised operational risk for the county’s air medical capability. County leaders said they are pursuing recruitment and training options, including outreach to local aviation education programs and coordination with other agencies that operate helicopters to identify staffing solutions. Commissioners asked for a growth plan for EMS, including station locations and cooperative arrangements with fire agencies; staff agreed to provide updated planning materials for the board.
