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Erath County EMS asks for new ambulance, certification pay and equipment to expand critical‑care coverage
Summary
EMS leaders told commissioners they expect delivery of a previously ordered ambulance later this year, requested funding for an additional ambulance in the coming budget, and proposed stipend pay for paramedics who obtain critical‑care certification to enable 24/7 advanced care.
Erath County EMS presented its budget priorities, asking commissioners to confirm plans for vehicle replacements, equipment and pay incentives to expand higher‑level emergency care.
EMS staff reported that an ambulance ordered more than a year ago is expected to arrive in late September or October, and asked the court to budget for a second new ambulance in the coming fiscal year to keep the frontline fleet current. “The ambulance we ordered ... they’re projecting yet to get here either late September or early October,” EMS management said. Staff explained production delays are industry‑wide and recommended budgeting another unit now so the county’s schedule of replacements remains predictable.
On staffing and clinical scope, EMS asked the court to consider a certification stipend for paramedics who obtain critical‑care credentials. That stipend, EMS leaders said, would expand the system’s ability to provide blood transfusions, advanced airway and ultrasound diagnostics in the field and allow a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) presence on shifts. EMS proposed a small stipend approach rather than increasing base pay, so the county would not raise wages across the board but would reward additional certification and responsibilities.
EMS also discussed recurring costs for supplies and licensing: continuing education, rugged laptops for front‑line units and recurring costs to maintain clinical software and other licenses. Staff noted ambulance billing is performed by a billing partner; commissioners and staff also discussed monitoring billing performance after a recent $40,000 debit that was reversed and outstanding receivables that the vendor was still processing.
Why it matters: vehicle availability, trained critical‑care paramedics and up‑to‑date equipment are core to prehospital emergency care. The proposed certification stipend is intended to improve clinical capacity without permanently increasing base payroll costs.
What’s next: EMS will provide formal equipment quotes and a precise stipend proposal tied to specific certifications; commissioners will weigh those items against other budget demands and projected revenues.
