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Commission approves $100,000 allocation to replace ambulance cardiac monitors
Summary
The commission approved using a $100,000 line item to commit to a vendor arrangement to replace cardiac monitors and related ambulance equipment, with a second payment expected from next year's budget.
Cannon County commissioners voted to commit $100,000 from this year’s budget line toward replacing cardiac monitors and other emergency medical services equipment after a detailed presentation from Justin Harris.
Justin Harris, identified in the meeting as a county emergency services representative, told the commission that the ambulances’ cardiac monitors are past the manufacturer-recommended service life and that the current vendor will stop certifying and supplying parts after April 1, 2025. Harris said the vendor agreed to deliver four new monitors and two stair chairs now if the county commits to a second payment in the next budget year.
Why it matters: Harris emphasized the monitors are critical medical equipment used on all ambulances to measure cardiac rhythms, oxygen saturation and other vital signs; he described the devices as essential for detecting heart attacks and guiding prehospital treatment.
Funding and plan: Harris said the county’s current budget included $100,000 for monitor replacement but total costs were about $180,000. The vendor proposed a payment plan: $100,000 now and the remainder when tax receipts arrive in the next fiscal year. Harris also said the vendor offered to buy back old monitors at set prices, which offsets some cost.
Discussion and vote: Commissioners discussed the liability risk if failing monitors are left in service and noted the county’s intent to seek a state EMS equipment grant next year to fund additional replacements. A motion to commit the $100,000 line item and proceed with the vendor arrangement passed; affirmative votes were recorded during roll call in the transcript.
Implementation: County staff said replacing equipment now avoids operating with monitors the vendor will no longer support; the county will plan to pursue a recurring state EMS grant next year to replace additional stretchers and equipment.
