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County EMS reports staffing strains and compares ambulance quotes ranging from $290,000 to $473,000
Summary
The county’s EMS lead reported staffing at about 87% of minimum, a drop in transfer volume, pending DEA licensing, an MIH expansion, and three ambulance procurement quotes spanning roughly $289,996–$473,009, and said opioid‑restricted funds could cover a narcotics storage system.
Commissioners heard a detailed monthly report from the county’s emergency‑medical services coordinator, who outlined staffing levels, transfer activity, equipment status and procurement options.
The presenter (Speaker 2) said staffing is at roughly 87% of the department’s minimum level, that two ALS‑staffed ambulances were operating (a decline from the previous month), and that transfers represented about 17.32% of call volume (a 3.8% decrease). He reported one full‑time paramedic had left and that two part‑time employees were hired; training topics included burn care and there were no recorded safety incidents since July of the prior year.
On equipment, the coordinator presented three ambulance quotes: McQueen/PL Custom at $473,008.81 (28‑month lead time), North Central at $314,650 (not including power‑load or cut systems), and a demo/new‑line unit at $289,996 (availability estimated February 2027). He discussed remounting the power‑load system from retiring units as a cost‑saving option and weighing chassis choices (including an all‑wheel‑drive F‑550 to accommodate bariatric patients).
The coordinator said the operation must obtain its own DEA registration by March 9 (deadline referenced in the report) to meet controlled‑substance handling requirements and that the county is evaluating secure narcotic‑box systems. He estimated one system’s price at about $38,000 and said opioid‑restricted funds could cover that purchase if needed.
The presenter also described the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program: the MIH vehicle is in storage pending final outfitting and the program currently serves several full‑time patients under an MOU with HealthLINK; additional grants are pending and the hospital has signaled interest in forming a partnership.
Commissioners asked operational and procurement questions, including ways to shorten lead times and reuse components from retiring units. No formal purchase was authorized; commissioners discussed short‑term options (buy used chassis or remount components) and asked staff to return with recommendations for procurement and funding sources.
The board also approved a separate motion later to authorize up to $20,000 for a service truck used for county maintenance tasks.
