Miami County EMS requests $10,968 to replace five ambulance routers

Brandon Rehm, Miami County EMS deputy chief, told the Board of County Commissioners that Miami County EMS needs to replace five older Airlink mobile routers that provide internet connectivity for ambulances and support vehicles. “The Airlink is a mobile router…provides internet for the vehicle,” Rehm said, explaining the devices are used for mobile data terminals, routing and tracking, monitor uploads, ultrasounds and mechanical CPR device data.

Rehm said the county currently has 13 Airlink devices, three of which were activated about two years ago, and the five devices targeted for replacement are older 4G units purchased in 2018 that have shown connectivity and tracking failures. He presented a vendor estimate from Anaconda Networks for $9,700 in hardware plus $1,200 for antenna installation, for a total of $10,968, and said budgetary funds would come from line items 3701 and 3702. “This would be replacing 5 of the older routers that have connectivity issues,” Rehm said.

Commissioners asked about the replacement schedule and the budget impact. Commissioner Scruggs asked when the remaining older units would need replacement; Rehm said the department intends to stagger replacements and will address additional failures as they arise. Rehm told the board the replacements were not pre-budgeted and that, if further units fail next year, EMS would need to identify funds within its existing budget to pay for them. A county staff member explained the practical failure modes—vibration on gravel roads and chafed antenna wiring—and recommended replacing both the device and antenna with professional installation to reduce future outages.

Rehm concluded that staff would return next week for further discussion before procurement. There was no formal motion or vote during the study session.