Franklin County EMS reports busiest year on record with 4,328 calls; commissioners hear quarterly and annual data

Franklin County EMS told the Board of Commissioners on April 30 that 2024 was the busiest year in county history, with 4,328 total calls, an increase of 996 calls from the prior year. Staff presented a fourth-quarter report and a full 2024 annual report, outlining run volumes, patient dispositions, billing revenue and operational trends.

Christie, speaking for EMS, said the service brought in $128,696.86 for the quarter and reported an adjustments figure of $44,823.96 (she apologized for an earlier labeling error on the spreadsheet). Christie said the service had experienced a billing “glitch” earlier in the year that reduced expected revenue but that billing performance in March and April met budgeted needs.

Operational highlights in the report included: 77% of calls involved patient contact; 51% of all activities (including standbys and public events) resulted in treat-and-transport outcomes; 81% of patients evaluated were treated and transported; and 84% of recorded standbys were for coverage. EMS recorded an increase in move-ups (overlapping calls) but a decrease in the proportion of time with no ambulances available (system-status zero ambulances) to 0.31% in 2024.

Christie said runs by hour showed a sustained spike between about 1 p.m. and 10 p.m., and runs by zone revealed a growing disparity between Ottawa North and Ottawa South districts with Ottawa South showing higher demand. EMS provided mutual aid in 2024 to Anderson, Douglas, Miami and Osage counties, and those counties reciprocate when Franklin County needs mutual aid.

On scene times, Christie told the board that 2024 saw a rise in scene time (time on scene) above the department’s 20-minute target; the director said training and education undertaken by crews had driven improvement in 2025 scene times. The annual report showed an average scene time of more than 26 minutes for 2024 but indicated scene times were coming down in 2025 after training.

Christie also detailed patient demographics (the most common age group was 70–79), procedures (EKG monitoring and radio reports to hospitals), and top medications administered (oxygen, saline, fentanyl/morphine, aspirin, albuterol/ipratropium). The report noted 13 patients in 2024 were older than 100 and 23 were younger than one year. Christie said EMS was currently fully staffed with one employee in orientation.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about move-ups and staffing; Christie said the county is working on solutions to balance workload between districts. No formal action was required; commissioners received the report and the EMS director said staff would continue to monitor metrics and report back.