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Hernando County suspends ALS non‑transport service agreement unless Brooksville meets requirements; council seeks county briefing
Summary
Hernando County notified Brooksville that the county is temporarily suspending its ALS non‑transport service recognition unless the city can meet required ALS program elements within 90 days.
Hernando County medical leadership informed the City of Brooksville on May 19 that the county’s ALS (advanced life support) non-transport service agreement is temporarily suspended unless the city meets required ALS provisions within 90 days.
City Manager Lisa Hendrickson told council she received a copy of the notice, which she said came from Hernando County EMS division leadership and medical direction. Interim Fire Chief Andrew Pepe said the city has attempted to reach ALS capability for years but currently has only one paramedic on staff. Chief Pepe said training pipeline constraints and prerequisites mean paramedic schooling may take up to 18 months through accredited programs.
Chief Pepe told council he has firefighters who want paramedic training; some prefer shorter technical programs that would shorten training time but — under the city’s current tuition reimbursement policy — those non‑accredited programs would not qualify for reimbursement. City HR and staff said they would review reimbursement rules.
Council reaction and direction: several council members called for immediate city action. A council member proposed a special meeting to develop a response plan; staff confirmed they will reach out to the county administrator and request a county presentation or briefing to Brooksville’s council. Council also discussed options such as hiring single‑cert (paramedic-only) staff who would be eligible for immediate ALS operations versus longer-term development of firefighter‑paramedics.
Public-safety implications: the county’s suspension applies to the ALS non‑transport agreement (the county provides medical oversight and protocols). The city’s ISO fire rating is not directly changed by ALS status, Mayor Tanner and staff said, but the suspension could affect the level of advanced care available at some calls and the city’s longer-term emergency medical planning.
Next steps: City staff will request clarification from Hernando County administration and medical leadership, report back to council, and evaluate training, hiring and tuition‑reimbursement adjustments that could restore compliance. Council discussed conditional funding, contractual training obligations (three‑ to four‑year return service), and the feasibility of hiring paramedic‑certified personnel or temporarily contracting ALS coverage.
