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EMS warns of service impacts as WRMC mobile CT leaves; county supports additional equipment and radios
Summary
EMS director reported WRMC's Mobile CT trailer is leaving and requested two LUCAS 3 devices, radios and ambulances be added to the CIP; emergency management and commissioners discussed grants, radios and a potential boat for water response.
Washington County's EMS and emergency‑management officials told commissioners on Jan. 16 that recent changes at the local hospital and equipment needs could affect response capabilities and planning.
Jennifer O'Neal, Washington County EMS Director, read an email reporting that Washington Regional Medical Center's Mobile CT trailer "would be leaving WRMC" and said WRMC was "on CT diversion." O'Neal told the Board she would like two more LUCAS 3 mechanical chest compression systems so there could be one on each ambulance and said she has issued a single inclusive purchase order for all radios, targeting Feb. 2025 for compliance. County Manager Curtis Potter said staff would look into procuring the LUCAS devices before year end, and the Board agreed to include ambulances on a five‑year CIP replacement plan.
Commissioner John C. Spruill asked about fire department radio upgrades and noted a grant match of about $40,000 for a new fire truck. Emergency Management Coordinator Lance Swindell described earlier capacity building grant purchases (a side‑by‑side and a 24‑foot trailer), said he bought 19 radios with a grant and will keep a cache of six radios in a newly upfitted truck for firefighters, and said he may apply for another capacity building grant next year, estimating it could be approximately $200,000 if neighboring counties participate.
Chair Ann C. Keyes thanked EMS Director O'Neal for her work. The Board asked staff to plan procurements and to wrap ambulance replacements into multi‑year CIP planning so equipment turnover and compliance timelines are tracked.
