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Pulaski County EMS requests funds for training, equipment and standardized AED supplies
Summary
The county EMS director reviewed 2026 budget requests including increased training and instructor support, equipment repair and replacement planning, purchase of AED pads and batteries for partner fire departments, and money for uniforms and community CPR education.
An EMS representative (name not given in the transcript) presented the EMS 2026 budget request to commissioners, describing fund balances, training plans, equipment needs and proposed new line items. The presenter said the EMS fund previously budgeted about $1.2 million and reported a current balance and incoming revenue; the presenter estimated that after current receipts the remaining budget gap was about $78,983 and expected monthly revenue would likely cover that shortfall before year end.
The EMS director said the department needs to raise the EMS instructor line item to cover multiple classes (EMR, EMT, advanced EMT and instructor training). "We spent 2,859 on that class. It was only budgeted for 5,000," the presenter said of a recent EMR class and added that community members pay class fees that are recorded in a separate revenue account dedicated to EMS training.
Training and supplies are a recurring focus. The speaker said as of July 21 the department's calls were 69% advanced life support (ALS), increasing supply costs. The department has used state grant funds to pay for paramedic training (the presenter reported paying an invoice of about $26,000 and noted a $30,000 state grant was available to cover some items). The EMS director requested extra funds for orientation binders, fuel cost increases (noting a mix of gas and diesel vehicles), and personal protective gear including reflective coats for new staff.
Equipment and vehicle planning were discussed. The director said a gas engine in the fleet was valued near $186,000 and estimated a replacement engine could cost $220,000 to $250,000. The department also requested funds for patient‑care equipment repairs and upgraded cables for SPO2 monitors (cited replacement cable cost of about $1,500 each). A new line item was proposed to supply AED batteries and pads for the county's five fire departments and the sheriff's office; the presenter said the EMS department currently provides those items and wanted a standing line to prevent delays in replacements.
On vehicles, the director discussed a possible "chase vehicle" and options to acquire used law‑enforcement vehicles or a sheriff's department vehicle to repurpose. The presenter cited the need for certified lighting and equipment if such a purchase is made.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the revenue flow for training classes and whether class fees were credited back to the instructor/training line items; staff explained class fees are recorded as training revenue in a separate fund rather than returned directly to the instructor expense line. The transcript shows no formal vote on EMS budget items during this excerpt; commissioners moved on after discussion.
Ending: The EMS presenter closed by noting ongoing collaboration with the county health department on community prevention and training and said staff will follow up on grant‑eligible equipment purchases and training fund accounting.
