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EMS warns aging monitors and CPR devices pose operational risk; proposes seven‑year equipment plan
Summary
EMS leaders told commissioners two cardiac monitors have exceeded life expectancy and CPR devices fail about 25% of the time in tests; they proposed a seven‑year lease/service plan to replace critical equipment and stabilize annual capital costs.
EMS leadership briefed commissioners on steadily rising 911 run volumes and a growing capital‑equipment backlog. They said the service now staffs at a higher paramedic level than many neighboring counties (typically three paramedics and one EMT on duty) and reported run volumes that exceed 1995 annual totals halfway through the current year.
The presentation highlighted safety risks from aging devices: two cardiac monitors are past their expected service life and CPR assist devices have failure rates roughly one in four during checks, which EMS said could jeopardize resuscitation efforts and raise liability concerns. To avoid large, unpredictable one‑year capital outlays, EMS proposed a seven‑year purchase/finance/service plan that locks in 2025 pricing and spreads costs (~$60,511 per year in the plan discussed) while providing vendor maintenance and equipment standardization.
Commissioners asked about storage, trade‑in value, reciprocal mutual‑aid arrangements and whether a short‑term rental would be a better stopgap than holding a fourth ambulance in reserve. EMS said a dedicated solution would reduce emergency risk but recommended the multi‑year plan to stabilize budgets and ensure readiness.
No final procurement decision was made at the workshop; the request will be weighed during final budget deliberations.
