Bonner County EMS reports stable response times, outlines five-year strategic plan

Chief Frank Meyer reported quarterly operational and clinical metrics for Bonner County’s Ambulance Service District during the meeting.

"We shoot for under 10 minutes," Chief Frank Meyer said of the interval from arrival on scene to placing a 12‑lead on chest‑pain patients, reporting an average of 8 minutes, 47 seconds for the quarter. He said average total response time for 9‑1‑1 calls was 8 minutes, 41 seconds.

The metrics update matters because the Ambulance Service District uses those benchmarks to evaluate clinical care and system performance, set training priorities and guide planning for future call volume, officials said.

Meyer presented additional clinical figures: average on‑scene time for chest‑pain patients was 13 minutes, 41 seconds; the district recorded 18 cardiac arrests in the period with four instances of return of spontaneous circulation; trauma scene time averaged about 15 minutes, 34 seconds; paramedic intercepts totaled 70 across several stations; peripheral IV clinical success was roughly 80 percent; and advanced airway first‑pass success was reported at 100 percent for the 10 cases reviewed. Meyer attributed the airway success to routine monthly advanced‑airway training.

Meyer also described the district’s longest 9‑1‑1 response during the quarter: a 38‑minute response when Pend Oreille Northside Station covered for Sagle Station, with the call located in the Garfield Bay or Bayview area. He said extended drives between stations were the cause of that outlier.

A meeting participant related a patient outcome to illustrate field care: "His wife started CPR ... he went home 2 or 3 days later," the participant said, describing bystander CPR and the use of a mechanical CPR device (Lucas). That anecdote was made during discussion of cardiac arrest outcomes and training.

The meeting noted gaps and next steps. A partner‑agency representative was absent for the second consecutive meeting; the presiding officer said the seat will be reopened and interviews held to fill the position. Meyer asked partner agencies to send routine metrics in advance so the district can compile and distribute printed copies at future meetings.

Training needs were discussed. Priest Lake Ambulance requested obstetric and pediatric training; Meyer said staff would coordinate that with Captain Ramsey and schedule it for the area if requested. Meyer also said district‑wide IV refresher training will be included in upcoming quality assurance and improvement sessions.

Meyer said he has begun work with a local consultant to create an Ambulance Service District strategic plan intended as a five‑year blueprint. The plan will involve stakeholder meetings with partner agencies, fire services, transport agencies and hospital representatives and will be used to measure year‑to‑year performance against stated goals.

On staffing and administration, Meyer said the district is reviewing part‑time paramedic applications but is holding off new hires while a recent payroll reorganization is completed. He described routine staffing variability due to sick calls, workers’ compensation and vacations but said the service is fully staffed on paper.

Votes at a glance: the meeting included two routine motions recorded on the transcript. The body entertained a motion to accept minutes dated 04/16/2025 and a motion to close the meeting; both motions were seconded and recorded as carried in the meeting minutes as handled by the presiding officer (movers and roll‑call tallies were not specified in the transcript).

The presiding officer closed the meeting after the business items above. The district will continue to collect and refine operational and clinical metrics and schedule stakeholder meetings for the strategic plan.