Franklin County amends EMS move-up policy: Wellsville unit to stage at Tennessee/I‑35 when Ottawa units are outside city limits

Franklin County emergency medical services will change its move‑up policy after staff review, county EMS staff told commissioners on Aug. 6.

Under the new procedure, a Wellsville ambulance will move up to a staging position at Tennessee and I‑35 when both Ottawa units are outside the city limits of Ottawa. "We're gonna change it to anytime that they're outside of the city limits of Ottawa itself. Then we would do a move up. But instead of moving all the way up to Ottawa, we're gonna stage at Tennessee and I 35," said Christie, an EMS staff member presenting the change.

Christie said the new staging point keeps the Wellsville unit closer to county roads and interstates in both directions, improving access for county calls while leaving the Ottawa area adequately covered. The policy will still allow the captain discretion to request a crew from Wellsville to move up to Ottawa or Tennessee depending on real‑time operational needs and high‑acuity calls.

Commissioners raised questions about staffing and long‑term capacity. Christie said the county operates three ambulances 24/7 and noted that buying additional ambulances would be only part of the cost; staffing new vehicles would require hiring additional advanced-life-support personnel when the county determines that operational demand requires it. Christie said the county plans to monitor system status with new data reports that will track move-ups and help evaluate coverage.

Commissioners indicated no objection and staff said they would implement the policy change immediately.

Ending: Staff said they will monitor operational data and return to the commission if the change requires additional staffing or resources.