Rain Fire offers to operate EMS in South Lincoln County; commissioners ask for contract review
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Summary
Rain Fire proposed taking over EMS under a $1 contract with no county cost, promising expanded services including a Home Paramedic program; commissioners said they would require a formal contract and legal review before acting. Hospital EMS leadership described ongoing staffing challenges.
David Jackson, representing private contractor Rain Fire, told the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 8 that his organization seeks to operate emergency medical services in South Lincoln County under a contractual agreement the company described as a $1 per-year contract with no direct cost to the county.
Jackson said Rain Fire has completed financing and acquisition steps and is prepared to supply assets and programs intended to elevate care in the area, including a Home Paramedic program and a Falls Prevention program. He also said Rain Fire completed a financing arrangement with the Cherokee Nation to acquire equipment, vehicles and air assets, and that the company would act as a liaison between fire and police through a proposed Terrorism Officer Liaison Officer program.
Scott Meyers, director of EMS for South Lincoln Hospital District, told the board the current service is largely volunteer-based with a staff of about 23 and that retaining and training volunteers to meet required levels has been a struggle. Meyers described volunteer staffing pressures without endorsing or rejecting the Rain Fire proposal.
Anna Chitka, Rain Fire HR director, outlined planned community programs and said bringing Rain Fire into EMS operations would enhance grant opportunities for local services.
Commissioners expressed caution. Chairman Hansen and Commissioner Connelly said they want to see a proposed contract and have it reviewed by county legal counsel before taking any formal action; Hansen said legal review and further discussion with the hospital would be necessary and offered no commitment to sign an agreement.
No formal motion or vote to award a contract occurred at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to circulate any proposed contract language and permitted additional review and follow-up discussion at a future meeting.
The board is expected to review any Rain Fire contract in a subsequent meeting only after the document is provided and reviewed by county legal staff.