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Robertson County EMS director: 'We are already preparing' for forecast winter storm; grant and surplus ambulance noted
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Summary
EMS Director Brent Dyer told commissioners he has returned to duty after hospitalization and described winter-weather staffing and equipment plans; the commission approved a $30,303 EMS equipment grant and declared a 2014 EMS vehicle surplus (possible sale to Coopertown).
Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer reported to the commission that he has returned to work after a recent hospitalization and urged preparedness ahead of a forecast winter weather event. Dyer outlined steps the department is taking to maintain service during the storm and described pending equipment purchases under a newly awarded state grant.
Dyer wrote that the department was "already preparing for what is supposed to be a potentially historic or memorable winter weather event this weekend," and described specific measures: staffing the second White House ambulance 24 hours, assigning an east-side paramedic supervisor with a 4x4 vehicle, pre-positioning fuel and generators, and arranging oxygen resupply for stations. He said crews were checking tires and readying station generators.
Dyer also noted a procurement and surplus update: a used ambulance approved for surplus earlier will be sold to the City of Coopertown Police Department for $7,000 pending paperwork, and the commission accepted a $30,303 Tennessee EMS Essential Equipment Grant to buy capital medical equipment, including a blood cooler for carrying emergency field trauma blood and additional AEDs for first responders. The commission later approved the grant amendment to the General Fund budget (Resolution No. 020226006).
On his return to duty, Dyer wrote, "I am back to work this week and appreciate Mayor Vogle calling to check on me.... I make sure to take care of the EMS employees, and it was nice to see I too have people in my corner." He urged residents to check on neighbors in severe weather, particularly those who require oxygen or dialysis.
Why it matters: Local EMS capacity is sensitive to staffing and weather; approval of the state grant funds immediate capital purchases that can affect response capabilities. The intended sale of surplus equipment will move an out-of-service ambulance out of county inventory and provide funds or cost reductions where applicable.
What the commission did: The commission passed the budget amendment to accept the Tennessee EMS grant (Resolution No. 020226006; Yes: 18, Absent: 6) and declared the 2014 Chevrolet Impala used by EMS (VIN ending 1534) surplus (Resolution No. 020226011). Dyer said the Coopertown Police Department had expressed interest in a surplused ambulance and that an internal agreement to sell for $7,000 had been reached pending paperwork.
Next steps: EMS will proceed with equipment purchases under the grant and finalize any surplus vehicle transfer paperwork; the department will continue storm staffing and operations through the forecast period.