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County EMS leaders say dynamic deployment improves coverage but northern gaps remain; adding a 24/7 ambulance estimated at $1.2M–$1.6M
Summary
EMS officials described a dynamic deployment model and a daytime footprint of six ambulances plus a quick response vehicle; commissioners raised coverage gaps in the northern county after a recent call. EMS said an additional fully staffed 24/7 ambulance could cost roughly $800,000 annually for staffing plus about $500,000 for equipment.
Granville County EMS briefed commissioners on staffing, deployment and recent capacity questions, outlining a dynamic positioning model and a current daytime staffing profile that leaders described as six ambulances and one quick‑response vehicle during peak hours (7 a.m.–7 p.m.). The EMS presenter said the system now uses rotating bases and heat‑map data to match coverage to demand, but acknowledged there are occasional periods with limited resources in the northern end of the county.
Commissioners recounted a recent January call in which the northern end of the county had few or no ambulances available and asked about mutual‑aid arrangements with neighboring counties. EMS leaders said informal mutual‑aid communications exist but neighboring counties prioritize their own coverage; they also noted the federal prison’s calls and changes in nearby urban systems can affect Granville’s available resources.
On the cost question, EMS staff gave a ballpark range: about $800,000 per year for staffing a 24/7 ambulance plus roughly $500,000 for an ambulance vehicle, putting a fully equipped 24/7 addition in the $1.2M to $1.6M range (vehicle and first‑year staffing). EMS also said infrastructure constraints (existing station footprints) make adding new permanent bases difficult without capital investment.
The EMS briefing ended with technical clarifications: quick‐response vehicles can deliver advanced life‑saving treatment but cannot transport patients; if transport is required and no ambulance is available, regional medevac or mutual‑aid is used to ensure continuity of care. Commissioners asked EMS to provide a precise cost estimate and to consider options for improving northern coverage within the existing footprint.
