Council told ambulance study is complete as fire chief urges council to act on rising EMS calls
November 04, 2025 | Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio
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"The ambulance study has been completed," Parnowski said, adding that he and Chief Pernesti were available to meet with council members to explain the process, content and recommendations.
Pernesti, Elyria’s fire chief, told council the department’s run volume has risen sharply over the past decade: "Ten years ago in 2015 the Elyria Fire Department responded on around 3,500 calls... Tonight, we're sitting on close to 5,540," he said, and urged council not to "ignore that report." Pernesti recommended council schedule the consultant to present findings either individually or to the full council and stressed that changes to EMS response or staffing will be necessary regardless of the approach the council chooses.
Parnowski also reported that dispatch-union negotiations have concluded their bargaining and a red-line contract with revisions is being finalized and will be referred to council when complete. Council asked when the ambulance study would be scheduled for the floor; Parnowski said scheduling depends on consultant availability and offered to coordinate dates with council.
There were no formal votes on EMS policy during the meeting; the item was discussed and council directed staff to schedule consultant briefings as availability allows.
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