Bradley County EMS reports 26,887 calls in 2025, requests monitors and ambulance funding

Bradley County EMS Director Adam Lewis presented operational metrics and a budget request to the EMS Committee on Feb. 13. Lewis reported the department responded to 26,887 calls in 2025, operates with 67 full‑time employees, 43 part‑time employees and a fleet of 14 vehicles, and collected $6,030,393 in fiscal year 2024–25, which Lewis said marked the first time revenue exceeded budget expectations.

For fiscal 2026–27 Lewis included several line‑item requests in the department's budget submission: a six‑year lease payment for cardiac monitors estimated at $123,500; funding for a new ambulance projected at $500,000 (targeted for Fall 2026); $6,000 for mobile data terminals; and a pay‑plan review to address employee compensation. Lewis told the committee that expanding convalescent van transports could generate additional revenue because operating a two‑person van is materially less expensive than operating a staffed ambulance for non‑emergency transports. He emphasized that 911 response remains the department's priority.

Lewis also noted expected changes to local emergency care patterns: Bradley Medical Center plans to open a standalone emergency room at its west campus in May, and Lewis said there is a possibility another provider (Park Ridge) may open a freestanding ER within the year, both of which could affect transport demand and destination decisions. The EMS Committee heard the report and will meet again to review the department's budget request before the county's budget submission deadlines.

All operational numbers and line‑item requests are recorded in the EMS meeting minutes; the minutes paraphrase director statements and do not include verbatim quotes of every remark.