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After county halts supplies, Demorest chief requests funding to pursue licensed medical first responder program
Summary
Chief Scheuerer told the council the county stopped providing medical supplies as of June 30, 2024, and requested city funding: $3,000 for a medical director, $7,500 for EMS equipment and $750 for a HIPAA-compliant reporting system to obtain a Licensed Medical First Responder designation; City Manager and City Attorney will review contracts and budget implications.
Chief Scheuerer told the council that, effective June 30, 2024, the county stopped providing cities with medical supplies and equipment (including gloves, oxygen masks, bandages and cervical collars). He recommended that Demorest move forward with obtaining a Licensed Medical First Responder designation rather than continue relying on county-supplied materials.
Scheuerer said two doctors have agreed to serve in the medical-director role but that no contract has yet been discussed. He presented a funding request for the remainder of 2024: $3,000 for a medical director, $7,500 for EMS equipment and $750 for a HIPAA-compliant patient-care reporting system (the transcript spelled this "HIPPA," corrected here to HIPAA). Musselwhite and City Attorney Thomas Mitchell will work with attorneys for neighboring cities on a contract; Musselwhite noted that the expense is not currently budgeted and staff would need to work through financing.
Scheuerer said no additional staff training would be required and that mutual aid agreements are being negotiated with other cities. The work session record does not show a formal vote; staff will present the item to the Regular Session for council action and to finalize contract terms.
