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EMS leaders warn staffing and revenue pressures make Lisbon Emergency’s current model fragile
Summary
Lisbon Emergency’s leaders said staffing shortages, rising costs and lost transfer revenue threaten sustainability; they proposed a $565,636 FY27 funding request, a 10‑year capital plan and a stakeholder study recommending a regional ambulance committee.
Leaders of Lisbon Emergency presented staffing, operational and financial details and urged the council to consider a long-term approach to EMS sustainability.
Amy (speaker 13) and deputy chief John Courts (speaker 6) said Lisbon Emergency responded to 1,787 calls last calendar year (1,572 within its primary response area), with average response times of about six minutes in Lisbon/Lisbon Falls and longer times to Bowdoin and Bowdoinham. The service’s 24‑hour primary ambulance and a 12‑hour day truck together provide coverage tailored to peak call periods; Courts said the day truck also supports non‑emergent transfers that generate important revenue.
John Courts reviewed finances and capital planning: a proposed FY27 funding request of $565,636 (an increase of roughly $21,682), an annual capital-improvement budget of $135,000, and reliance on grants for large equipment purchases. He warned that reducing staffed coverage would lower income (transfers and mutual-aid stipend revenue), potentially lead to more paid mutual-aid charges from other services, and increase missed calls.
Councilors asked how mutual aid, transfers and overlapping calls affect coverage; Courts said long transports and overlap drive the need for the second staffed ambulance during busier hours and that losing Bowdoin and Bowdoinham would reduce both revenue and operational flexibility.
The EMS self-determination study funded by a $40,000 grant recommends forming a multi‑town ambulance committee of stakeholders to evaluate regional options; EMS leaders asked the council to use study findings in upcoming budget deliberations.
