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Jackson Fire Department to switch from flex to full-time paramedic service
Summary
The village's fire department presented a plan to move from a temporary flex paramedic model to a fully staffed paramedic service, citing six years of flex operation, support from a medical director and hospitals, a June 1 protocol submission deadline, and an estimated additional cost of about $250.
The Jackson Fire Department told the Village of Jackson board on May 12 that it plans to transition from a temporary "flex" paramedic staffing model to a permanent, full-time paramedic service.
Fire Department leadership said the flex model was implemented as a bridge to full paramedic staffing and has been used for about six years. The presenter said that model was intended to be temporary and that the department has relied on clinical oversight from a medical director to maintain consistent performance during that period. "I have no concerns about moving to the fully paramedic coverage," the chief told the board, adding that staffing levels and training have improved and that a new hire planned in January will strengthen capacity.
The department outlined next steps and regulatory requirements: staff are finishing operational protocols and expect to submit required protocols and medication lists to the state by a June 1 deadline for administrative review. The presenter said the change would allow the village to operate under stronger, permanent regulation and expand the range of permitted advanced-life-support (ALS) medications and procedures.
Board members asked how the change would affect the municipal budget and day-to-day operations. The chief estimated the additional recurring cost associated with medication supplies and a second refrigerated storage unit at about $250 and said that within a year the cost would be offset by reduced medication waste. He also said current staffing provides paramedic-level coverage on most first-out calls and that transfers by paramedics are permitted "as long as no advanced level care has been done." The board was told a formal budget request for the new position is expected this fall and that interim operational plans assume adequate coverage until the January hire.
The board did not take a final vote on this presentation at the meeting; the item was noted for placement on the consent agenda for future approval.
