Commissioners press county for more EMS transport capacity after delayed responses
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Summary
Commissioners described strained EMS transport capacity—44% call-volume increase and limited transport units—and reported the city offered $400,000 to buy an ambulance and to hire six paramedic-only positions; county officials were asked to meet and the county councilman is expected to raise the issue at the county council.
Multiple commissioners raised concerns about emergency medical services and transport capacity in Deltona. Commissioner Nobick reported a 44% increase in call volume and said the city has added only one transport unit in 14 years. He described instances where fire units with paramedics remained tied up waiting for transport and recounted that Deltona offered $400,000 to purchase a new ambulance and to hire six paramedic-only personnel (to be housed and equipped by the city) while proposing the county receive 7.5% of patient care billing; he said the county declined the proposal.
Commissioners described delayed responses during a recent large festival and noted that county-dispatched closest-unit agreements mean available county ambulances may be assigned elsewhere. Commissioner Santiago said the closest-unit protocol applied and explained why Volusia County EMS responded when a Deltona medic was occupied. Commissioner Harrington said County Manager Reckenwald is willing to meet to discuss transport times; Commissioner Santiago said the county councilman will bring the issue to the county council to arrange a joint meeting of city, county and fire authorities.
Commissioners urged continued pursuit of a fourth transport unit for Deltona, noting the city’s willingness to fund equipment and personnel to increase capacity. No formal county decision was recorded at the meeting; commissioners requested staff pursue intergovernmental discussions and data on response times before taking further local action.
