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Snowville EMS to seek state variance to allow paramedic-level care when a paramedic staffs calls
Summary
Snowville EMS requested council support to apply for a state variance allowing a volunteer paramedic who works in Weber County to deliver paramedic-level procedures when he staffs the local ambulance; council supported pursuing the variance and noted modest equipment costs and possible higher billing when paramedic-level care is provided.
Snowville’s EMS presented a plan May 13 to expand local scope of care when a paramedic is present on the ambulance.
Dave (EMS) said paramedic Nathan Tobler, who works full time in Weber County, has been running with Snowville’s ambulance on his days off and that a state variance would allow him to provide paramedic-level interventions locally (such as intubation) under controlled conditions. Dave said the department would maintain a paramedic equipment bag that would only be used when the paramedic is on duty and that Nathan’s home department has offered to donate some older paramedic equipment to help start the capability.
Councilmembers said they supported pursuing the variance to improve patient care in serious emergencies. Dave estimated start-up supplies at about $400 and noted that when paramedic-level care is provided Snowville could bill at the higher level permitted for paramedic ambulances.
The council asked that required letters — including medical director support — be assembled for the state EMS committee. Dave said the town’s medical director (Dr. Anderson) has historically signed similar requests. Staff will prepare the variance packet for the July state EMS committee meeting.
