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EMS: call volume and transfers rise; new north station opens and state takes over agency licensure
Summary
Emergency medical services staff reported increasing call volumes and time-on-task for transfers to front-range hospitals, celebrated a new north‑end station, and briefed commissioners on a state takeover of EMS agency licensure and ongoing staffing and billing challenges.
Chaffee County emergency medical services staff reported higher call volumes, more time tied up for interfacility transfers to front‑range hospitals and operational changes tied to a new north‑end station and state licensure rules.
Staff said year‑to‑date call volume rose about 4% and that north‑end call volume increased 22% while south‑end volume decreased. Drivers of the workload include interfacility transfers to higher‑level care: staff said a round trip to the front range can occupy a crew six to eight hours on average, and late‑night transfers pose additional weather and safety concerns.
Staff announced the new north‑end ambulance station was complete and that crews were enthusiastic about the facility; officials signaled they may reallocate ambulances to improve north‑end coverage now that the facility is available. The department said recent purchases of new ambulances are in service, with one undergoing repairs after a collision.
On licensure, staff briefed the board that, as of July 1 the state assumed responsibility for issuing EMS agency licenses and issued a 54‑page guidance document for compliance. The county’s agency inspection by the state is scheduled for Jan. 22; staff said the process will be educational rather than punitive as agencies adjust to new reporting, equipment and policy expectations. Staff recommended the county adopt an “opt‑in” position so the board retains approval authority if other agencies seek county approval to operate inside Chaffee County.
Staff outlined revenue and billing challenges: the department invoiced roughly $3 million in 2024 and collected about $1.6 million, with large contractual write‑offs for Medicare and Medicaid accounting for a substantial share of the difference. Staff said self‑pay accounts have increased and that the department is exploring contracting with commercial insurers (Blue Cross Blue Shield) to improve collections even if contractual adjustments reduce per‑claim revenue.
Commissioners and staff praised the crews; staff noted training investments, agency awards recognizing pediatric care commitment, and a recruitment/retention scheduling change approved last year that the state is now considering as a potential model for other rural agencies.
