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Limerick fire/EMS cites staffing pressures, DEA registration steps and a two-year ambulance wait
Summary
Fire/EMS said it logged 66 calls in June (9 fire, 57 EMS), completed DEA registration steps for controlled-medication storage, installed partial ambulance safes and is facing summer staffing shortages and a roughly 24-month wait for a new ambulance chassis.
At the July 21 Select Board meeting Jared Welsh (speaker 5) delivered the fire and emergency medical services report for June and outlined several operational pressures.
Welsh said the department responded to 66 calls in June — nine fire calls and 57 EMS calls — and that they had handled several mutual-aid movements (five outgoing requests and three incoming requests involving Limerick). He described progress on DEA-related requirements: the department registered with the DEA on June 23, has received ambulance safes that are partially installed and awaits a DEA interview and station inspection before final approval.
To comply with upcoming requirements for noncontrolled medications, the department is exploring group purchases and reimbursement sources; Welsh said the department is pursuing opioid-settlement funding and county EMA support to cover safes, tracking software and related costs (figures discussed near $16,500 for three safes and software and an anticipated sub-$2,500 cost for an additional cabinet and disposal licensing, though exact grant amounts remain to be confirmed).
Staffing remains a challenge: the department is working to maintain at least one advanced life-support provider on shift but has seen volunteers reduce hours or move to full-time departments, and recent departures include paramedic Ben LaRiviere and EMT/firefighter Mark Bolton. Welsh said a new ambulance has been ordered via a purchase agreement with a vendor, but the estimated delivery time for a chassis remains roughly 24 months.
What happens next: The department will continue DEA follow-up, pursue reimbursement and grant funds for safes and training, and work with neighboring departments on shared purchasing to meet regulatory requirements.
