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Posey County EMS warns vehicle-service changes in neighboring county could strain local response
Summary
Posey County EMS Director Paul Micheletti reported January activity (213 requests, 115 transports, $92,764 revenue) and warned that Vanderburgh County ambulance-service changes may increase call volume for Posey County; commissioners discussed mutual-aid limits and possible financial arrangements.
Posey County EMS Director Paul Micheletti told commissioners on Feb. 3 that the department handled 213 requests and 115 transports in January, generating $92,764.00 in revenue, and that the service staffed an extra ambulance for 60 hours during a recent snow event.
Micheletti warned that changes in neighboring Vanderburgh County — where the City of Evansville is taking over ambulance services from AMR — could shift coverage patterns and leave Perry Township reliant on AMR, potentially raising sustained call volumes for Posey County EMS. "I am unsure whether AMR will continue to service only Perry Township," Micheletti said, adding, "I am concerned that the call volume will exceed what Posey County is used to." (paraphrased and attributed)
Commissioner Bill Collins said mutual aid is intended to address emergency needs and emphasized that sustained, continuous runs would warrant a financial arrangement: "If Posey County is going to make continuous runs to this area, there should be some type of financial agreement," Collins said. County policy requires that mutual-aid requests be accepted only when resources are available; Greg Newman clarified that if help is available the county will respond, but if multiple ambulances are already on runs the request must be turned down.
Micheletti also raised radio-communications concerns following a recent officer-involved shooting and asked the county to ensure radios are inspected by the servicing company to find a solution. Commissioner Collins asked that plans not assume reuse of the department's current Tahoe once it is replaced.
The board heard the update and discussed next steps; no formal action or vote was recorded on new mutual-aid agreements or funding during the meeting.
