Nicholas County approves EMT hiring and expansion of transfer services

At the meeting the court turned the floor to the ambulance service for an operational update. Justin, the ambulance presenter, said the county's ambulances and equipment are in good working order but noted a national saline shortage that could affect supplies.

Justin reported September run volume of 68 calls and described use of a transfer truck to pick up inter-county transfers. He said the service recently signed a contract with Hospice of Hope to expand transfer work and that the transfer truck currently is being used about eight hours a day, with plans to increase hours as run volume grows.

The court approved hiring Garrett Peavey as a part-time EMT. Justin said Peavey "passed his national registry" and has been available to help immediately; the court moved, seconded and approved the hire by voice vote.

The court also approved transitioning Cameron Bowles from part-time to full-time EMT on the second shift; Justin described Bowles' interest and experience. Justin added that the new Medic 1 unit is operational and that the unit's light package and interior modifications are complete.

Court members asked about scheduling and cost recovery; Justin said staffing is a mix of on-call and scheduled shifts and that some EMTs work other jobs or attend school. He said the service is aiming to increase run volume to cover crew and vehicle costs and possibly generate modest revenue. Justin also reported outreach from Amber Allen, who will handle marketing and scheduling for Pioneer Trace, which the presenter expects will increase transfer volume.

The actions to hire and promote were recorded as motions, seconded and approved by voice vote in the provided transcript.