Board approves 50‑mile EMS transport policy, adopts job descriptions amid staffing shortfall

Mike Gorsley, the county’s EMS director, told commissioners the service is understaffed and has experienced several recent resignations. He described operational steps already taken—new equipment, beds and training—and asked the board for continued support to stabilize staffing and retention.

“We have never failed to get an ambulance in one week, even being short‑staffed,” Gorsley said, acknowledging turnover while outlining recruitment and retention actions. Commissioners and the director discussed pay grades, internal posting procedures for the new positions, and additional responsibilities for the assistant shift supervisor, including participation in employee evaluations.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the updated EMS shift supervisor job description and the assistant shift supervisor description and associated pay‑grade changes. Separately, the board approved a county transport policy establishing a 50‑mile standard transport radius for routine non‑specialty transports, with clinical exceptions and the ability to send patients to specialty centers if needed. Commissioners said the policy is intended to reduce ambiguity for EMS crews and to keep units available locally.

Commissioners used the discussion to press for additional recruitment outreach (regional technical schools, targeted advertising) and asked staff to return with details on applicant volumes, current openings and specific retention measures. Gorsley thanked the board for the approved measures and said more operational updates will follow.