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Washington County EMTs say handbook accruals shortchange 24‑hour crews; board will review
Summary
Rachel Powell, an advanced EMT with Washington County ambulance service, told the board that EMS staff accrue sick and vacation time on a 12‑hour basis despite working 24‑hour shifts, leaving many with only 6 hours of sick time per month. The board acknowledged inconsistent handbook versions and committed to review the policies ahead of the next budget cycle.
Rachel Powell, an advanced EMT with Washington County ambulance service, told the Washington County Board of Commissioners that multiple handbook versions circulating in the county have left 24‑hour EMS employees accruing sick and vacation time on a 12‑hour basis rather than on the 24‑hour shifts they actually work.
"We're getting 6 hours a month," Powell said, describing that employees with fewer than five years’ service effectively earn a quarter of a 24‑hour shift in sick leave each month. "Three days a year is not adequate for somebody whose job it is to treat and transport the sick and injured."
Powell said the discrepancy emerged after a 2023 handbook update; she and colleagues compared the 2019 handbook language, which explicitly accounted for 24‑hour staff, with the 2023 version and found that sick‑time language does not clearly carry the same provision. Powell asked the board to "reevaluate" and give EMS "special consideration" so employees who routinely face illness exposure can stay home when sick without exhausting vacation time.
Board members acknowledged the issue, confirmed that multiple handbook versions are in circulation, and asked staff to assemble the relevant documents for review. One board member noted that as a practical matter they often simplify calculations for discussion purposes, but others said a consistent, hours‑worked formula could ensure equitable accruals for all departments.
Officials also discussed budget implications. During the conversation one member estimated an additional budgetary impact, saying the change could amount to "$6,465,000"; other members questioned or revised earlier figures (one mention contrasted $32,000 and $64,000). The board did not adopt a policy change at the meeting and gave no firm deadline but said it would examine the handbooks and return with options—likely timed to the next budget cycle.
The board thanked Powell and the EMS staff for bringing talking points forward and said it would work to find a fair approach that balances equity for 24‑hour employees with county budget constraints.
