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Hamilton and Jamesville EMS ask Martin County for more funding as ALS costs rise
Summary
Two volunteer rescue squads—Hamilton Fire/EMS and Jamesville EMS & Rescue—asked Martin County commissioners on March 27 for increased support to cover higher medication, equipment and vehicle costs tied to expanded Advanced Life Support services.
Hamilton Fire/EMS and Jamesville EMS & Rescue appealed to Martin County commissioners on March 27 for increased financial support to offset rising costs tied to Advanced Life Support (ALS) services.
Hamilton Chief Stephan Swearingen requested an additional $30,000 to cover medications, equipment and supplies after Martin General Hospital stopped providing supplies to rescue squads. He described reimbursement pressures from Medicare and Medicaid and said the squad uses a soft‑billing approach so residents are not deterred from calling for emergency care.
Jamesville representatives—Treasurer Tina Manning and Chief Timmy Modlin—noted the squad covers about 137 square miles and recorded 319 rescue calls in 2018. They reported vehicle replacements in 2018 (remount/refurbished units) and a new $35,000 defibrillator purchase to maintain ALS capability. Chief Modlin said local fundraising (pancake breakfasts, hot-dog sales and a Herring Festival booth) helps, and he explained the fireworks display continues despite low revenue because the community expects it.
Commissioners thanked first responders for their service and said staff will consider the requests as part of budget deliberations. No immediate appropriation was made at the meeting.
