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Officials press Speedway/Arc operator over EMS coverage; county clarifies ALS vs. BLS expectations
Summary
Officials described repeated attempts to reach a Speedway/Arc operator about on-site EMS, relayed the operator's interest in keeping services 'in the county,' and warned the county cannot guarantee paramedic (ALS) presence on every call when staffing is limited.
County staff told Washington County officials they have tried repeatedly to reach a Speedway/Arc operator about on-site emergency medical coverage and that the operator had contacted the county with questions about EMS service levels.
According to a county EMS staff member, the operator "said he wanted to keep it in the county if possible." Staff recommended sending a contract and arranging a meeting to clarify expectations. The staff member said the operator appeared unfamiliar with differences between BLS and ALS, prompting staff to emphasize those distinctions in prisoner-level terms: "there's a difference... we're an advanced service," the staff member said, explaining the county's service is ALS when paramedics are available.
Staff warned the county cannot guarantee a paramedic on every call in every location if staffing is short; sometimes advanced EMTs or two EMTs may staff a truck, which would provide Basic Life Support (BLS) rather than Advanced Life Support (ALS). Officials discussed ironing out coverage expectations in a contract and setting up a meeting between county staff and the operator to avoid misunderstandings.
The board did not take formal action on contracting with the Speedway/Arc operator during the meeting; staff said they would keep trying to contact the operator and recommended mailing a contract as a next step.
